The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a powerful interim leadership team featuring former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as part of a renewed bid to unify Nigeria’s fractured opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources confirmed to the media in Abuja that the ADC has been adopted as the principal platform for a new coalition comprising disillusioned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party.
The coalition seeks to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the APC’s continued grip on power.
At a high-level meeting held on Tuesday in the nation’s capital, the ADC finalized key leadership appointments.
David Mark was named Interim National Chairman, while Rauf Aregbesola—widely seen as a strong figure within Tinubu’s political camp—was named Interim National Secretary.
Other interim appointments include:
Chief Anayo Arinze – Interim Deputy National Chairman (South), Alhaji Ibrahim Manzo – Interim Deputy National Chairman (North), Bolaji Abdullahi (former Minister of Sports) – Interim National Publicity Secretary.
A source familiar with the coalition strategy said, “This is a strategic move to unite the opposition and present a strong front against the APC. The ADC was selected due to its grassroots strength and absence of internal crises.”
The coalition’s pivot to the ADC follows alleged delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in registering new political parties, including the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The ADC’s established structure and relative internal harmony made it a suitable alternative.
Amid rising inflation, widespread insecurity, and economic uncertainty under the Tinubu-led administration, the coalition is banking on public discontent to galvanize support.
Another insider revealed, “The ADC’s link to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s reformist ideals also influenced the decision. The party is widely seen as credible and capable of driving real political change.”
As part of its new roadmap, the interim leadership is tasked with reorganizing the party, engaging in strategic outreach, and preparing for a national convention in 2026, where a substantive National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected.
The coalition also plans an aggressive grassroots mobilisation strategy, with regional convergence programmes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Ralph Okey Nwosu, the party’s founding member and immediate past National Chairman, is reported to have voluntarily stepped aside to enable the restructuring effort. While not officially confirmed, he is expected to take up the role of Interim Organising Secretary.
“Nwosu’s decision to step down was key to facilitating this transition. His support has ensured a smooth handover to the interim team,” a party source told Vanguard.
With the ADC now positioned as the launchpad for a reinvigorated opposition bloc, the entrance of heavyweight political figures and cross-party alliances is expected to make the politics of 2027 more fierce.
