David Mark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Mark
GCON
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| 12th President of the Nigerian Senate | |
| In office 5 June 2007 – 6 June 2015 |
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| Deputy | Ike Ekweremadu |
| Preceded by | Ken Nnamani |
| Succeeded by | Bukola Saraki |
| Senator for Benue South | |
| In office 3 June 1999 – 9 June 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Ameh Ebute (1993) |
| Succeeded by | Abba Moro |
| Governor of Niger State | |
| In office January 1984 – 1986 |
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| Preceded by | Awwal Ibrahim |
| Succeeded by | Garba Ali Mohammed |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 April 1948 Otukpo, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Benue State, Nigeria) |
| Political party | African Democratic Congress (since 2025) |
| Other political affiliations |
Peoples Democratic Party (1998–2025) |
| Residence | Abuja |
| Alma mater | Nigerian Defence Academy |
| Occupation |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Nigeria |
| Branch/service |  Nigerian Army |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark is a retired Nigerian army officer and a well-known politician. He was the leader of the Nigerian Senate (called the President of the Senate) from 2007 to 2015. Before that, he served as a Senator for Benue South from 1999 to 2019.
As of 2025, he became the interim leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) political party. Before becoming a Senator, he was the military Governor of Niger State from 1984 to 1986. He also served as a Minister of Communication. He holds the record for being the longest-serving President of the Nigerian Senate.
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Early Life and School
David Mark was born in Otukpo, Benue State, in April 1948. He went to St. Francis Catholic Practicing School. After that, he attended the Nigerian Military School. He then continued his education at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
In 1970, he became a 2nd Lieutenant in the army. He was promoted to Captain in 1971. Later, in 1974, he became the Commandant of Static Communications. In 1976, he took on a political role as Chairman of the Abandoned Properties Implementation Committee in the Eastern region.
Serving as a Minister
David Mark was in charge of the Communications Ministry. This ministry included two important organizations: Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). As Minister, he was known for speaking his mind directly.
For example, in 1989, some workers complained they had not been promoted in a long time. Mark responded that those who were not productive might need to retire. He also believed in strict rules for people who damaged phone lines. He also suggested removing phone facilities that were not used much in some towns.
Time in the Senate
David Mark was elected as the President of the Nigerian Senate on June 6, 2007. This is a very important leadership role in Nigeria's government.
Re-election and Leadership
In April 2011, David Mark ran for re-election as Senator for Benue South. He won for a fourth time. He encouraged his opponents to work together to make Nigeria better.
When he led the review of the Nigerian Constitution, Mark asked his fellow Senators to think about what was best for all Nigerians. He told them to put aside their own personal interests.
In September 2018, David Mark made plans to run for the Nigerian presidency. He chose Zainab Abdulkadir Kure to manage his campaign. Abba Ejembi was appointed as the campaign's spokesperson.
Personal Life
David Mark enjoys playing sports like golf, tennis, and squash. He belongs to the Idoma tribe. He has a country house that includes a helicopter and a special landing area for it.
