Nigeria’s opposition front is taking firm shape as former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have been announced as the new interim National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—the platform now adopted by opposition heavyweights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointments were made during a closed-door high-level political meeting held Tuesday night in Abuja and attended by leaders of various opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others.
A source who attended the meeting confirmed the development, stating that the opposition had settled on the ADC as its unified political vehicle after months of consultations.
“Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have emerged as interim chairman and secretary of ADC to steer the new coalition. The party’s formal unveiling will take place today (Wednesday) in Abuja,” the source told Event Diary Lifestyle.
The coalition move is being seen as a major political realignment aimed at forming a united front to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Bolaji Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports and ex-spokesperson of the APC, has also been appointed as the interim National Publicity Secretary of the restructured ADC.
A Coalition of Political Forces
This development follows the March 20th Abuja meeting where major opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai agreed to form a joint front.
The group’s decision to adopt the ADC was first reported exclusively by PUNCH and has now materialised into a new leadership structure.
Aregbesola’s U-turn, Mark’s Political Weight
Aregbesola, who initially declined the position of Secretary, was reportedly convinced to accept the role after pressure from coalition stakeholders.
Political watchers note the significance of Aregbesola’s return—especially given his previous affiliation with President Tinubu’s political bloc. His acceptance signals growing discontent within former APC ranks and new realignments ahead of 2027.
Senator David Mark’s emergence as chairman has been described as strategic due to his national stature, cross-regional appeal, and long-standing reputation as a consensus builder.
Party Transition
The former ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, was said to have stepped aside to make way for the new leadership, a move praised by coalition members as selfless and in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a tweet confirming the news, former PDP spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan wrote: “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 Raud Aregbesola as the interim National Secretary.”
What to Expect
The new ADC coalition platform is expected to unveil its blueprint for national recovery, economic growth, and good governance in the coming weeks. Political observers say this may be Nigeria’s most formidable opposition formation since the return to democracy in 1999.
With the country grappling with inflation, insecurity, and public discontent, the opposition sees an opportunity to present what it calls a “credible alternative” to APC rule.
The unveiling of the ADC coalition leadership marks the beginning of what promises to be a heated race toward 2027—with both power blocs now set for battle