Opposition coalition adopts ADC appoints Mark, Aregbesola as interim leaders

In a major political shift ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, a broad coalition of opposition leaders has formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its new political platform.

The decision follows weeks of intense consultations and strategic maneuvering by the group seeking to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coalition—made up of political heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi—has now installed key interim officers to steer the ADC through its transition into a major opposition force.

Senator David Mark, a former Senate President, has been appointed Interim National Chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola will serve as Interim National Secretary.

The appointments were confirmed following a marathon meeting of the coalition that extended into the early hours of Tuesday.

This latest development comes just weeks after the same group floated the idea of registering a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), as an alternative platform.

However, sources close to the coalition revealed that concerns over potential delays or rejection by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) forced a strategic pivot back to the already-registered ADC.

Earlier negotiations with the ADC and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reportedly broke down, but talks were later revived with ADC’s original leadership, leading to the current adoption agreement. The formal unveiling of the party’s new direction is scheduled for 2 p.m. today in Abuja.

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While ADC has long been seen as aligned with a former president—whose name has been kept under wraps—the party’s fresh direction marks a turning point in the political realignment building up to the next electoral cycle.

Sources within the coalition confirmed that Rauf Aregbesola initially declined the role of interim secretary following opposition from close associates. However, after sustained pressure and broader appeals from coalition leaders, he agreed to take on the position.

Prominent leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Sule Lamido, Tom Ikimi, Aminu Wali, and Uche Secondus, have issued joint calls for PDP members across the country to join the movement, arguing that both the ruling APC and the PDP have failed Nigerians.

“We must chart a new course for the country,” Atiku reportedly said during the late-night meeting. “What we are offering is a united, credible, and viable alternative to rescue Nigeria.”

With this move, the coalition is now positioning the ADC as a third-force platform capable of challenging the entrenched dominance of the two major parties. Political analysts say today’s announcement could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape if the coalition maintains unity and momentum leading into 2027.