National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned that Nigeria’s economic hardship could worsen in 2026 unless urgent corrective measures are taken, describing 2025 as a year of intense suffering for millions of citizens.
Speaking in Abuja on New Year’s Eve to usher in 2026, the former Senate President said the outgoing year severely tested the endurance of Nigerians, as rising living costs and economic strain eroded hope across the country.
“The year 2025 was, without doubt, a difficult year for the majority of Nigerians,” Mark said. “The renewed hope that the government promised has yielded more misery and widespread hardship, as citizens battled with an ever-rising cost of living. Food, basic drugs and transportation were priced beyond the reach of most people due to misguided policies that have condemned more Nigerians to multidimensional poverty.”
Mark accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of preparing policies that could further aggravate the situation, warning that proposed tax measures would only compound the suffering of already overburdened citizens.
“Rather than offer hope in the new year, the APC government has decided to impose stringent taxes that will deepen the misery of Nigerians. These taxes will not renew hope; they will renew hopelessness,” he said.
Beyond economic concerns, Mark said 2025 marked a critical turning point in Nigeria’s political evolution, particularly for opposition forces determined to halt what he described as a dangerous drift toward a one-party state.
He recalled the formation of a coalition of opposition parties under the ADC on July 2, 2025, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard democracy. “Our coalition was born out of necessity—to arrest Nigeria’s gradual descent into an authoritarian one-party state and to rescue our country from a government that behaves more like an army of occupation than one elected by the people,” he said.
The ADC chairman stressed that the success of the coalition would depend on patriotism, sacrifice and a commitment to national interest above personal ambition. According to him, the response from Nigerians since the announcement of the coalition has been encouraging, with growing public engagement nationwide.
Acknowledging widespread scepticism due to years of unfulfilled promises, Mark urged Nigerians not to surrender to cynicism or political apathy. “We do not claim to be perfect, but do not doubt our sense of duty and our commitment to be on the right side of history,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mark said history would judge whether Nigerians chose despair or collective action at this critical moment. He warned that withdrawal from civic responsibility would only empower those who thrive on public apathy.
“Fellow Nigerians, we know you are tired, and you have every reason to be,” he said. “But you cannot afford to give up now. This country belongs to all of us. If we rise together—not with violence but with vision, not with anger but with courage—then 2026 can be the year we begin to take our country back.”
Calling for optimism rooted in collective strength, Mark urged Nigerians to approach the new year with faith rather than fear. “Faith in the power of the people, faith in the possibility of something better, and faith that Nigeria’s story is not yet done,” he said.
He concluded by extending New Year wishes to Nigerians and paying tribute to fallen security personnel and victims of violence across the country, praying that 2026 would bring strength, healing and renewed hope to the nation.
