COPDEM Hails ADC Coalition as a Democratic Turning Point, Urges Transparency and Unity Ahead of 2027

 By Genesis Ogiri | Abuja | July 9, 2025

As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, the newly launched ADC Coalition, led by former Senate President Senator David Mark, is gaining significant attention—and endorsement. On Thursday, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) threw its weight behind the alliance, describing it as a timely and potentially transformative platform capable of restoring democratic integrity in Nigeria.

The endorsement comes amid growing public frustration over poor governance, economic hardship, and waning trust in political institutions. In a country where democratic rituals often fail to deliver real accountability, the ADC Coalition is positioning itself as a values-driven alternative that promises transparency, youth inclusion, and national renewal.

"This is more than a party merger. It is the opening of a new chapter in Nigeria's democratic history," said Rwang Pam Jr., National Chairman of COPDEM. "The ADC Coalition has the potential to restore the people’s voice and rebuild the moral fabric of our democracy—if it remains principled, transparent, and people-driven."

With seasoned political figures like David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Chief Ralph Nwosu, the coalition is positioning itself as a credible platform for political renewal

COPDEM reiterated that Nigeria’s democracy remains under pressure from weak institutions, growing insecurity, economic hardship, and voter apathy. The coalition urged national institutions—including INEC, the Judiciary, and security agencies—to remain neutral and protect the democratic space.

“The 2027 elections must not be pre-determined through institutional manipulation. Neutrality is non-negotiable,” Pam stated.

COPDEM’s statement reflects a wider concern in the country: Nigeria’s democracy, though technically intact, is seen by many as hollowed out by transactional politics, state capture, and widespread voter apathy.

The coalition warned that INEC, the Judiciary, the Police, and other constitutional institutions must resist being weaponized for partisan advantage as Nigeria approaches another critical election cycle.

"Nigeria is at a tipping point. The coming elections must not be sabotaged by the usual forces of manipulation and suppression," Pam declared. "We urge institutions to act as custodians of the constitution—not as pawns in political chess games."

According to Rwang Pam Jr., National Chairman of COPDEM, Nigeria’s democracy is standing at a critical juncture. Years of elite compromise, unmet promises, and widening inequality have deeply eroded public trust. As the 2027 elections approach, the demands of the people are louder—and the tolerance for failure is thin.

“In a democracy where public trust has been eroded by decades of elite compromise and unfulfilled promises, the expectations are high—and the margin for error, narrow,” Pam said.

He described the ADC Coalition not as just another political alliance, but as a national opportunity to reset Nigeria’s democratic course.

 “This is not merely a coalition for power,” he stated. “It is a call to reclaim democracy and return it to the people—who deserve better governance, not recycled politics.”

As political mobilization begins across the country, COPDEM has warned that the true test will come in how the coalition governs itself, engages the grassroots, and resists the very habits that have failed Nigeria for decades.

 “The ADC Coalition must resist the temptation to replicate the very systems it seeks to change,” Pam concluded. “Democracy in Nigeria must become more than elections—it must deliver trust, transparency, and transformation.”

COPDEM, for its part, reaffirmed its role in this democratic journey—pledging support through civic education, voter mobilization, public accountability campaigns, and institutional advocacy to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, inclusive, and truly reflective of the will of the people

COPDEM, known for its active role in election observation, civic education, and policy advocacy, has warned against attempts to undermine the coalition. The group accused powerful interests—particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—of historically using infiltration, propaganda, and institutional influence to disrupt emerging political movements.

 “We know the playbook, and this time it won’t work,” said Pam. “Nigerians are more politically conscious. Any effort to sabotage the coalition will be resisted—legally, peacefully, and decisively.”

Ambassador Lilliane Sleek ,  ADC’s Director of Mobilization, responded to emerging doubts in some quarters, stating unequivocally that the coalition will endure.

"The ADC Coalition will not collapse as speculated. We are not here for show. This is a coalition grounded in strategy, sacrifice, and sincerity," she said.

Mr. Akor Christian Oche, National Youth Leader of COPDEM, described the coalition as a "generational shift" in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

 “This is a coalition for the people—especially the young, who have been sidelined for too long. It will redefine Nigeria’s democracy and set new standards for inclusive governance,” Oche asserted.

From a grassroots perspective, Engr. Peter Orazulike, Member ADC Directorate mobilization , added that the coalition's openness marks a clear departure from the politics of exclusion.

“Everybody is welcome. We want a refined kind of change—one that includes every Nigerian. This is not the old, recycled idea of change that left people behind,” he said.

COPDEM emphasized that the coalition must not become another quest for power without purpose.

"We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. The time for true democratic change is now.”

This movement must not be hijacked by career politicians with no vision. What Nigeria needs is a coalition committed to real reforms, institutional integrity, and economic justice," Pam noted.

The group challenged the coalition to demonstrate its values through transparent leadership selection, grassroots consultations, and open policy dialogue.

"Nigerians will no longer trust in shadows. Transparency must be the foundation—because without it, this effort will collapse under the weight of public suspicion."

As Nigeria enters a pre-election phase, COPDEM called on the ADC Coalition to begin urgent groundwork across six key areas:

1. Grassroots Engagement – Building party structures with ordinary Nigerians at the center.

2. Youth and Women Inclusion – Empowering a new generation of credible leadership.

3. Policy Clarity – Offering real, evidence-based solutions to national issues.

4. Transparent Candidate Selection – Prioritizing integrity and public service.

5. Civil Society Alliances – Partnering with reform-minded professionals and groups.

6. Civic Education – Combating misinformation, voter suppression, and apathy.

Thursday Newsway Africa, reports that the emergence of the ADC Coalition—backed by influential voices such as Senator David Mark and endorsed by pro-democracy actors like COPDEM—marks a potential inflection point in Nigeria’s political history. But whether this coalition becomes a transformative force or just another fleeting alliance will depend entirely on its ability to walk the talk.