A political group, the Benue Concerned Democrats (BCD) has raised concerns over what it describesd as an attempt by former Senate president, Senator David Mark, to take over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) through a newly proposed political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released in Abuja yesterday, the group’s convener, Arc Idoha Audu Anuga, alleged that Mark is positioning himself at the forefront of a “Coalition for 2027” to influence the ADC’s direction and leadership.
Anuga described the development as “a political return strategy” and urged caution, particularly among party stakeholders and Nigerians looking forward to a fresh political alternative. “If the ADC must survive as a credible platform, it must remain vigilant and independent,” he said.
The BCD expressed reservations about “recycled political leadership,” stating that Nigeria’s democracy needs a departure from the past.
The group called for transparency and a broader consultative process in building coalitions to bring about national change.
While acknowledging the right of any citizen to participate in political processes, the group emphasised that leadership must reflect values of accountability, democratic ideals, and genuine service to the people.
The statement also revisited Senator Mark’s political history, expressing dissatisfaction with what the group perceives as an underwhelming legacy in Benue South and limited developmental impact during his time in office.
“We, the Benue Concerned Democrats, believe Nigerians deserve a clean break from the political methods and actors of the past. We hope that any emerging coalition would prioritise inclusion, innovation, and true democratic values,” Anuga said.
As political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the BCD called on political parties to ensure that new alignments reflect the aspirations of Nigerians and not merely the interests of political elites.
Efforts to reach Senator David Mark or his representatives for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
