By Ayodele Oni

Former Senate President, David Mark, and ex–Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, have disagreed over the initiator of the Doctrine of Necessity which led to the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President in 2010.

Abdullahi, in his new book, claimed that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) initiated the doctrine, while Mark maintained that it was conceived and executed solely by the Senate.

Mark insisted that it had no connection to the NGF or to any individual from Kwara State, including former Governor Bukola Saraki.

He made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of Abdullahi’s memoir, The Loyalist.

According to Mark, the Senate independently took responsibility for resolving the constitutional crisis created by the prolonged absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who had been out of the country for medical treatment since November 23, 2009, without transmitting a written declaration to the National Assembly as required under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

Reacting to the claim, Mark firmly rejected the narrative.

“The Doctrine of Necessity is the sole responsibility of the Senate and has nothing to do with Kwara State or anyone from Kwara State. It was the collective decision and responsibility of the Senators at that time.”

Mark, now National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressed that the action taken by the Senate was driven by national interest and the urgent need to prevent a constitutional breakdown.

After weeks of political uncertainty, the Senate, on February 10, 2010, invoked the Doctrine of Necessity and swore in then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President, vesting him with full presidential powers pending Yar’Adua’s recovery.

However, in his 297-page memoir, Abdullahi claimed that the initiative originated from the NGF under Saraki’s leadership.

He wrote that Saraki personally asked him to draft a statement proposing the doctrine to the National Assembly, adding that this move ultimately enabled Jonathan’s formal assumption of office.

Abdullahi further argued that tensions between Saraki and Jonathan stemmed from the Yar’Adua era, alleging that members of Jonathan’s inner circle believed Saraki and the governors frustrated Jonathan’s emergence as Acting President.

By Ayodele Oni

Apparently referring to internal confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over presidential ticket, National Publicity secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said Nigerians are ready for a new political direction, but warned that leaders of the party must rise above personal ambition and internal divisions if the party is to meet that expectation.

Abdullahi made the remarks in his closing address at the launch of his book, The Loyalist, held on Tuesday at the Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

Some leaders of ADC, including former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi, have been itching to emerge as the candidate of ADC during next year’s elections.

Abdullahi said public interactions have convinced him that Nigerians are prepared for change and are looking to the ADC for leadership.

“I think Nigerians are ready for us, but I don’t think we are ready yet — we the leaders. If only thing this book launch has achieved is bringing all the leaders of the ADC together in one place, then that alone is enough.”

He said many Nigerians openly encourage ADC leaders to put aside differences and work collectively for national renewal.

“People recognise me as one of the leaders of the ADC and they stop me to encourage us to do our best to save Nigeria. That means we must brace up and do better,” he added.

Abdullahi urged party leaders to place the broader interests of the ADC and the nation above personal ambition, stressing that unity and shared purpose would determine the party’s readiness for national leadership.

He described “The Loyalist” as a reflection of Nigeria’s political journey, focusing on the fragile relationships between godfathers and godsons, and argued that political mentorship is not inherently harmful, but must be grounded in values and a clear philosophy.

The book launch doubled as a symbolic gathering of ADC leaders, reinforcing Abdullahi’s call for cohesion as the party positions itself for future political contests.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour, while the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, served as Chairman of the occasion.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, presented the book, while it was reviewed by Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, formally launched the book.

Other prominent Nigerians at the event included Mr Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Liyel Imoke, Rauf Aregbesola, Emeka Ihedioha, and several other political leaders from across the country.