Ex-Senate President David Mark Resigns From PDP As He Emerges ADC Chairman

Former Senate President David Mark has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party he helped establish.

David Mark’s decision to quit comes shortly after he was appointed as the interim chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now backed by a coalition of opposition groups.

In a statement he personally signed and dated June 27, Mark explained that the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP led him to step down.

According to him, the PDP had become deeply divided, damaged its public image, and was no longer the strong political force it once was.

Mark said he decided to join the newly formed National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, describing this as a step toward helping to “rescue Nigeria” and safeguard democracy.

Addressing PDP members in his Otukpo Ward 1 and across Benue State and Nigeria, Mark wrote: “I bring warm greetings to you and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, to the entire Benue State and Nigeria. I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect.

“You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP. Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing.

“I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which, without sounding immodest, helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians.

“However, recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule.

“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy.”

David Mark is among the politicians behind the coalition aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.

Just recently, the group announced that it would use the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official political platform for the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, the INEC recently announced that it has received applications from 110 different groups seeking to become registered political parties.