ABUJA, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), newly adopted as the political platform of Nigeria’s opposition coalition, has appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.
The appointments were confirmed during a meeting of key opposition leaders in Abuja on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, with a formal unveiling expected at a follow-up session on Wednesday.
The move is seen as a strategic step in solidifying the emerging opposition alliance aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The coalition includes high-profile political figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
Kola Ologbondiyan, a former spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and aide to David Mark, announced the development on social media.
“African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been adopted as the political party for the coalition. The party has elected Sen. David Mark as the Interim National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the Interim National Secretary,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
In his acceptance speech, Aregbesola emphasised the need for ideological clarity and integrity within the party, calling for a clean break from the political norms that have defined Nigeria’s party system.
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality,” Aregbesola said.
“We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.”
Aregbesola urged party members and coalition supporters to hold him accountable, pledging to help build a political institution committed to national development.
“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done,” he said.
“Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place as a service to the people.”
The coalition talks, first reported in early 2025, have been gathering momentum amid growing dissatisfaction with the APC-led federal government.
In May, it was reported that opposition leaders had agreed on the ADC as the vehicle for their political ambitions in 2027.
ADC founder Ralph Nwosu endorsed the leadership choices, saying that Mark has the political experience and stature to provide “the required focus” for the coalition effort.
