David Mark

David Mark is a prominent Nigerian politician and retired military officer who served as the President of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2015. Here are some key details about his career:

Political Career

• Served as the 12th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 201512
• Represented Benue South senatorial district in the Senate from 1999 to 20191
• Member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP)1
• Longest-serving President of the Nigerian Senate (8 years)2

Military Background

• Retired Nigerian Army Brigadier General1
• Served as military Governor of Niger State from 1984 to 19861
• Retired from the Nigerian Army in 19933

Notable Achievements

• Played a key role in invoking the "Doctrine of Necessity" in 2010, which allowed Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become Acting President during President Yar'Adua's illness3
• Known for his blunt and sometimes controversial statements3
• Ran for re-election to the Senate multiple times, serving four terms in total14

Later Career

• After leaving the Senate presidency in 2015, he maintained a lower profile in the chamber3
• Considered running for the Nigerian presidency in 2019 but ultimately did not pursue it3
• Completed a "thank you" tour to his constituents after 20 years of Senate service in 20195

David Mark's long tenure in the Nigerian Senate and his leadership as Senate President made him a significant figure in Nigerian politics for nearly two decades.