Leaders of ADC Step Aside for Mark, Aregbesola to Rescue Nigeria

In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have voluntarily stepped aside to allow former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to lead the party’s new direction.

This was revealed on Wednesday by the founding National Chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, during the formal unveiling of the ADC as the official platform for a planned opposition coalition. The high-profile event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, marked the beginning of what party leaders described as a strategic repositioning to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking at the event, Nwosu disclosed that the decision for existing party leaders to resign was unanimously made to clear the way for what he called “a new beginning.”

“We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola and others can lead us to the Villa,” Nwosu said, referring to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. “We also approved Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party. When you look at the two of them and their commitment to this country, you’ll see that this is a new beginning. They will reposition the party and Nigeria.”

David Mark, a two-term Senate President and long-standing member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor and minister under the APC, have now been formally announced as the interim National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the ADC-backed coalition.

Political analysts view the move as a major shakeup in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, suggesting the potential for realignment among various opposition forces.

The inclusion of two heavyweight political figures with broad experience across party lines could signal a concerted effort to consolidate opposition forces in a bid to present a formidable challenge in the next electoral cycle.

The ADC, originally founded on progressive ideals, has struggled to gain national traction in past elections. However, Wednesday’s event suggests a rebranding and renewed ambition, as it seeks to play a central role in uniting Nigeria’s fragmented opposition.

Further announcements on the coalition’s structure, agenda, and membership are expected in the coming weeks.