•David Mark
The Northern Progressive Agenda (NPA) has expressed concern over what it described as a troubling trajectory in Nigeria’s democratic space, warning that any erosion of institutions and credible opposition could endanger the stability and future of Northern Nigeria.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, blamed failed economic policies on persistent abrupt policy rollouts without sufficient sequencing and buffers for the most vulnerable citizens, reports The Guardian.
Meanwhile, ADC, yesterday, unveiled key priorities in its emerging manifesto, with security reform, tax restructuring and social welfare ranking high in its interim policy framework.
NPA’s National Secretary, Idris Kalgo, stated yesterday that “the North is grappling with deep-rooted challenges,” including insecurity, economic hardship, social fragmentation and declining public trust – conditions it noted require a strong and inclusive democratic framework to address.
It cautioned that weakening democratic institutions or narrowing the political space would not only undermine governance but also threaten long-term peace and prosperity in the North.
“The strength of our democracy remains our most critical safeguard,” he stated, stressing that the North’s historic role in shaping Nigeria’s political and moral direction places a responsibility on its leaders to act decisively at this critical time.
The group called on political leaders across the region, irrespective of party affiliation, to set aside differences and work for the collective interest of Nigerians.
It also urged stakeholders and aspirants within the ADC and other political platforms to embrace unity, discipline and a shared vision capable of restoring public confidence.
In addition, the NPA encouraged youth, women and civil society groups to actively participate in the democratic process, emphasising inclusive engagement as essential to shaping a more stable and representative future.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday, when the Policy and Manifesto Committee of ADC, chaired by former governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun, presented its report to the National Working Committee (NWC), Senator Mark pointed out that one principle that stood out for him was that survival income must not be taxed.
The former president of the Senate, who accused the ruling government of turning more attention to stifling opposition parties rather than focusing on things that matter to Nigerians, assured, however, that the ADC “seeks to address these weaknesses through its Policy and Manifesto Committee that proposed the Principle of Gradual and Sequenced Reform with Social Cushioning.
He said: “This reflects a fundamental moral truth. A nation where Nigerians are providing their own electricity, security and other amenities cannot build prosperity by taxing those who are struggling merely to survive.
“A fair tax system must protect everyday Nigerians by ensuring that the burden of adjustment is carried by those with the greatest capacity to contribute.”
Earlier, Odigie-Oyegun had said the presentation of the first phase of the report marked a milestone in the journey of ADC towards presenting a credible governance alternative to Nigerians.
