Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to contain Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, calling on his party to step forward with effective solutions. Speaking on Wednesday during the ADC’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Mark described the country as plagued by “unabating insecurity, kidnapping, and violence” and said these issues have become the new normal under APC leadership.

Mark urged ADC members to unite and adopt a people-focused approach, promising that the party is prepared to act differently and restore safety across Nigeria. He emphasised that the task before the party is not just political but also moral and historic, urging internal cohesion and adherence to democratic principles. The ADC also approved dates for its ward, local government, state congresses, and national convention, scheduled between April 7 and April 14 in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede highlighted the need for local arms production to strengthen Nigeria’s security. Speaking at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja, Oluyede said indigenous manufacturing would reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and enhance operational efficiency to combat terrorism and banditry across the region. Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd) reinforced the importance of coordinated, multi-service military operations and a whole-of-society approach to security.

In a related development, suspected terrorists in Kwara State have demanded N1 billion ransom for eight worshippers of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) abducted during a church service in Omugo town. While three of the worshippers were rescued, the remaining captives remain in the hands of the abductors. Rev. Omole Sunday Timothy, the pastor of the affected ECWA branch, confirmed that the terrorists rejected all attempts to negotiate a lower ransom, urging state and federal authorities to intervene and secure the victims’ release.