The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, met with young members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday, charging them to be the driving force of the party.

Senator Mark, a former president of the senate, encouraged the youths to take full ownership of the party and act as ambassadors, declaring them the future leaders of both the party and the nation. He pledged his full support towards enabling the younger generation to assume leadership roles within the party and ultimately, Nigeria at large.

During the meeting, David Itopa, the Deputy National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, advocated for a reduction in the cost of nomination forms for youth aspirants. He highlighted concerns among young Nigerians regarding the affordability of contesting elective positions, urging the party to make the process more accessible to the youth.

Itopa also called for broader participation in the party’s policy drafting process. While acknowledging the proposed 50-member policy formulation committee, he appealed for the inclusion of external experts who may not be on the main team but could contribute valuable ideas. This, he said, would help ensure a robust and inclusive policy framework for the party.

Comrade Balarabe Rufa’i, the ADC National Youth Leader, praised Senator Mark for his distinguished service as Senate President and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the ADC to greater heights. He lauded the party’s commitment to youth development, particularly through assigning key national leadership roles to young members.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy National Secretary Hauwa Yusuf, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Jackie Wayas, and other youth leaders within the party.

The engagement reflects the ADC’s renewed commitment to youth empowerment and participatory leadership as it repositions itself ahead of the upcoming 2027 elections.