ADC Targets Northern Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls

The African Democratic Congress is reaching out to Northern Nigeria as it begins early moves to reposition itself for the 2027 general elections.

At the center of this outreach is a renewed call for unity, self-reflection, and political renewal across the region.

Speaking in Abuja during the third plenary session of the Northern Political Consultative Group, former Senate President and Acting National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, addressed a gathering of northern political stakeholders. He said the region’s current struggles—ranging from insecurity to economic hardship—are problems created from within and must be tackled through collective resolve.

Mark, who is now leading the party’s national agenda, said Northern Nigeria has strayed from the principles that once made it a model for peace and development. He called for a revival of values rooted in unity, justice, and shared identity. He believes the divisions across the region—whether political, religious, or ethnic—are at the core of the instability and lack of progress seen today.

He described the North as a region blessed with natural resources, agricultural potential, and rich cultural diversity. Yet, despite these strengths, it is plagued by insecurity, poverty, and disunity. He warned that the ongoing blame game must stop if true progress is to be achieved, urging political and traditional leaders to take responsibility and chart a new course for the region.

According to him, the absence of unity has led to lost opportunities. Investors have stayed away due to insecurity. Poverty has worsened, fueling more crime. Ethnic and religious divisions have eroded the North’s ability to demand better governance. He said the way forward must begin with a return to brotherhood and mutual respect.

He urged leaders across the North to tone down inflammatory language and abandon politics that divide. He reflected on the days of the First Republic, when leaders saw each other first as Northerners rather than members of any ethnic or religious group. Mark cited the leadership of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, who invested in education, agriculture, and infrastructure for all ethnic groups under his care.

Mark reminded the audience of how the late Premier governed with fairness and purpose, treating all tribes and faiths equally. That era, he said, should serve as a template for how the North can reclaim its lost ground—not just politically, but economically and socially.

He ended by challenging those in the hall to examine how far the region has drifted from that spirit of unity. He said only by returning to the shared identity of “One North, One People” can the region hope to break free from the cycle of instability and underdevelopment.

With the next general election still over a year away, the ADC appears to be setting the tone early—by reminding the North of its past, and offering a vision for the future anchored on healing and unity.