Nigeria opposition coalition warning by David Mark raises concern over dictatorship threat

Peculiar Adirika July 3, 2025

Nigeria opposition coalition warning from David Mark warns of creeping dictatorship and insecurity under Tinubu, urging Nigerians to resist one-party dominance

The Nigeria opposition coalition warning delivered by Senator David Mark has raised deep concern about the state of democracy in the country.

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Mark, newly unveiled as Interim National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), addressed the media in Abuja on Wednesday, warning that Nigeria is heading toward a full-blown civilian dictatorship.

Mark accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of orchestrating the systematic collapse of political opposition in a bid to consolidate absolute control ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stated that the deliberate destabilisation and infiltration of opposition parties aim to leave Nigerians with no viable electoral alternative.

“This is a dangerous moment for our democracy,” Mark said. “If we do not act quickly, Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state under the guise of democratic rule.”

According to the former Senate President, the ADP has emerged as a coalition of like-minded individuals from across the political spectrum, including the Labour Party and even elements within the APC.

The goal, he explained, is to offer Nigerians a real choice and resist the slide into autocracy.

Mark didn’t hold back in criticising the Tinubu-led government. He alleged that it is the most corruption-tolerant administration in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications,” he stated.

He accused the administration of ignoring its core responsibilities, focusing instead on political manipulation.

“This is a government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of ordinary Nigerians. Governance has been abandoned while our people live in hunger and fear,” Mark said.

He highlighted the current wave of insecurity, pointing to daily killings, abductions, and unchecked violence across states.

“Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will. Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to meaningful action,” he said.

Mark also addressed what he called the “total emasculation” of the National Assembly. He said the legislature, once the defender of Nigerian democracy, has now become a tool of the executive.

“Never in our history have we seen lawmakers reduced to mere praise singers of the President,” he said.

According to him, the weakening of the legislature has allowed unconstitutional policies to thrive.

“This transformation of the National Assembly into an appendage of presidential power is a conspiracy against the Nigerian people,” he argued.

Mark said the newly formed coalition is ready to act.

“To all those citizens who believe that Nigeria’s democracy is worth fighting for, this coalition is for you. To the youths who face an uncertain future and feel betrayed, this coalition is for you,” he said.

He extended his message to communities affected by violence.

“To all our brothers and sisters in Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, Plateau, and beyond — who have lost loved ones and live in fear — this coalition stands with you,” he declared.

The coalition, he said, is committed to offering Nigerians a better path. “This coalition is determined to offer a genuine alternative to hardship, insecurity, and waste,” Mark said.

“We are united across party lines to provide a rescue mission built on security, prosperity, peace, and progress.”

As the 2027 election season approaches, Mark has positioned the ADP-led coalition as the main voice of democratic resistance.