“The North is Bleeding,” David Mark Calls for Urgent Rebuilding of Northern Nigeria, Declares ADC as the Only Credible Solution

 

The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has made a passionate appeal for collective action to rescue Northern Nigeria from what he describes as deep and persistent decline. Speaking at the 3rd expanded meeting of the ADC National Political Consultative Group (North) held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Mark issued a solemn warning that the North is “bleeding profusely” and needs urgent healing driven by unity, justice and strategic development.

The gathering, attended by ADC leaders, political stakeholders and grassroots supporters from various parts of the country, served as a platform for reflecting on the socio-political and economic future of Northern Nigeria. Delivering his keynote address titled “Unity and Social Cohesion as Panacea to the Challenges Facing Northern Nigeria”, Mark emphasized that the region’s long-standing issues of insecurity, poverty, disunity and stagnation require intentional and sustained solutions.

The former Senate President noted that the North’s current situation is not accidental. According to him, the deepening crises are the result of years of neglect, division and poor leadership. He urged leaders and citizens alike to take responsibility and shift from assigning blame to pursuing practical remedies.

“These challenges did not emerge in one day, and they will not vanish by wishful thinking,” Mark stated firmly. “We must first acknowledge that we, the people of the North, have played a part in creating this condition. The first step toward recovery is accepting our shared responsibility.”

His address painted a grim picture of life in the region. Entire villages have become ghost towns, overrun by bandits or scarred by communal clashes. Children are forced to flee their homes, schools have shut down and local economies lie in ruins. Yet, amidst these challenges, Mark believes the ADC offers a fresh direction rooted in inclusiveness, innovation and discipline.

Mark expressed dismay that despite the region’s vast natural and human resources, Northern Nigeria remains the most impoverished zone in the country. Illiteracy rates remain among the highest, unemployment continues to rise, and basic infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities and water systems are either absent or decaying.

Still, he remains optimistic that the region can recover. According to Mark, rebuilding the North begins with a commitment to equity and mutual respect. He urged citizens to reject politics that thrive on hate speech, identity divisions and selfish ambition.

“Division has cost us so much progress, while indifference has only deepened the wounds,” he told the gathering. “We must recommit to justice, mutual respect and shared purpose. These are not lofty ideals; they are the basic principles that once made the North a land of hope and stability.”

He advocated for investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure as tools for social unification. Mark challenged political leaders and civil society to pursue programs that empower the youth, protect vulnerable populations and inspire innovation across communities.

“There is no better time than now to shake hands across ethnic and religious divides. We cannot allow political fragmentation to continue robbing us of peace and prosperity,” he added.

In a clear endorsement of the African Democratic Congress, Mark positioned the party as the only viable platform capable of providing the leadership required to reverse the region’s decline. He argued that the ADC is distinct from other parties because of its focus on transparency, people-first policies and internal democratic discipline.

Throughout his speech, Mark returned to the theme of responsibility. He called on traditional leaders, religious figures, women’s groups and youth organizations to play a role in steering the region toward peace and renewal.

“The time for lamentation is over,” he declared. “The North is bleeding, and it is up to us, the sons and daughters of this land, to stop the hemorrhaging. Let us rise above our divisions and take bold, unifying steps to heal our land.”

The event closed with renewed pledges from ADC members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization and community engagement. With a commitment to change and a call to reject cynicism, David Mark’s address stood as a powerful reminder of the stakes facing the North and the possibilities that can emerge through unity and visionary leadership.