National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, says the ruling All Progres-sives Congress (APC) has proven to be incapable of ar-resting the deteriorating security situation in the coun-try, charging his party to rise up to the challenge be-cause it can do better.
Mark made the remarks Wednesday in Abuja during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He called on ADC to step forward to rescue a nation wallowing in all manner of ills.
According to him, “Nigeria is now bedevilled by unabating insecurity, kidnapping and violence of immense proportion. Unfortunately, these ills are now the new normal.
“The ruling APC has shown incompetence. They have shown that they are incapable of arresting the situation.
“Our party, the ADC, must rise up to the occasion to address these ills. We are prepared to do things differently and make Nigeria a better and safer society.”
Mark stated, “As we deliberate today, I urge us to approach our discussions with open minds, patriotism, and a shared vision for a better Nigeria. Let our decisions reflect the aspirations of millions of Nigerians who look up to the ADC as a beacon of hope.
“We must also continue to work with like-minded individuals and groups who share our vision of rescuing our nation from its current challenges. The time for collaboration, constructive engagement, and strategic alignment is now.”
He told NEC members that the journey ahead might be demanding, but with unity, discipline, and commitment, victory will be achieved.
Mark said the second NEC meeting came at a critical moment in the life of the party and, indeed, the country.
He stated, “Nigerians across all walks of life are yearning for purposeful leadership, equity, justice, and a government that truly serves the people. The responsibility before us, therefore, is not just political—it is moral and historic.
“As leaders of this great movement, we must rise above personal interests and remain united in our resolve to build a strong, disciplined, and people-oriented party. Internal cohesion, respect for party structures, and adherence to democratic principles must remain our guiding pillars.”
The ADC national chairman added, “Our task is clear: to reposition the ADC as the foremost platform for national renewal. We must continue to strengthen our internal mechanisms, expand our grassroots reach, and engage meaningfully with Nigerians across all regions, religions, and generations.
“Let me emphasise that unity within our ranks is non-negotiable. Recent developments have shown that while challenges may arise, our collective will to remain focused and united is stronger than any divisive tendencies. We must therefore close ranks, deepen consultation, and reinforce confidence in our leadership and processes.”
Meanwhile, the ADC NEC approved dates for the congresses in the states and the national convention.
According to National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, NEC upheld the dates for the national convention and the ward congresses.
Abdullahi said, “The polling unit and the ward congresses will come up on the 7th of April, the Local Government Congresses will come up on the 9th of April.
“The state congresses will come up on the 11th of April and the National Convention on the 14th of April.”
He said the national convention would take place in Abuja.
“Already, the guidelines for these congresses have been published and the forms have been distributed across the country,” he said, adding that the national convention committee has been set up.
CDS: Local Arms Production Key to Ending Terrorism, Banditry in Nigeria, West Africa
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, said boosting local arms production was crucial to ending terrorism in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Oluyede stressed that indigenous manufacturing would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, ensure timely access to military equipment, and strengthen operational efficiency needed to restore lasting security in the region.
Speaking at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) in Abuja, Oluyede outlined a new phase of strategic military evolution driven by self-reliance, improved border security, and indigenous technological advancement.
He stated that those elements formed the foundation of Nigeria’s future defence projection, alongside sustained regional collaboration to address complex security threats.
The CDS disclosed that the armed forces were prioritising the development of local defence production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other domestic manufacturers.
He also highlighted the strong link between border management and internal security, emphasising the need for continued cooperation with neighbouringcountries.
Responding to contributions from stakeholders at the lecture, Oluyedeunderscored the importance of synergy and joint military operations, stating that single-service efforts are often insufficient to achieve desired outcomes.
He cited practical instances demonstrating the value of coordinated operations, stressing that the army, navy, and air force must work together, while leveraging their distinct capabilities.
He revealed that recommendations from the lecture would be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to secure broader support for implementation.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), reinforced the need for synergy, describing Nigeria’s security framework as a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach”.
Musa explained that JDWC, established in July 2025, served as a hub for integrating military expertise, stating that true operational effectiveness depends on unified action across all services, supported by an alert citizenry.
Earlier, Director-General of JDWC, Major-General AE Edet, highlighted progress made within six months of the centre’s establishment, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and full operationalisation.
Terrorists Demand N1bn Ransom for Eight Abducted ECWA Worshippers in Kwara
Suspected terrorists, who abducted eight worshippers of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) during a church service in Omugo town, in IfelodunLocal Government Area of Kwara State, demanded N1billion ransom from the families of the victims before they would be released.
The worshippers were kidnapped at the weekend during a church service when the terrorists invaded the church.
Security operatives and local vigilantes, reportedly, rescued three of the worshippers before the others were taken away.
Since then, tension had gripped the town and other neighbouringcommunities.
Residing pastor of the ECWA branch in Omugo, Rev. Omole Sunday Timothy, in an interview with newsmen confirmed the demand of the terrorists from the families of the victims.
Timothy said the abductors initially made contact with the church and community leaders, insisting on a ransom payment of N1 billion drawn from all communities in Oro-Ago.
He said desperate efforts to negotiate a lower ransom had so far been unsuccessful, as the terrorists rejected an offer of N1 million and warned against further negotiations involving lower sums.
“They (the terrorists) called us and told us they are in good spirits, but they demanded N1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago,” the pastor said.
He added, “We are pleading with them to leave Oro aside and discuss only about the victims that were kidnapped, but they did not listen to us on Tuesday.”
The cleric added that the kidnappers later re-established contact but remained adamant, dismissing all attempts at negotiation.
He said, “But today they responded, and we are begging with N1 million. They told us not to talk about N20 million, not N50 million, not even N100 million, and they switched off the phone. Since then, we have not heard from them.”
Timothy disclosed that he was able to briefly speak with his wife, who was among the abducted victims, alongside other captives.
“Yes, I spoke with her and others. They were complaining that they are all thirsty. No one was injured except an elderly man who was hit with a gun on his head,” he said.
He called on the state and the federal governments to come to the aid of the victims and ensure protection of residents of the state.
Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke and Hammed Shittu
About the Author
