ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of former Senate President, David Mark, as the new platform for Nigeria’s main opposition coalition.
The confirmation, published on INEC’s website and sighted on Wednesday, followed an internal restructuring that produced new national officers to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to INEC’s list, David Mark assumes the role of Interim National Chairman, while former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, was named National Secretary. Other principal officers include:
-
Oserheimen Osunbor – National Legal Adviser
-
Ibrahim Mani – National Treasurer
-
Akibu Dalhatu – National Financial Secretary
The coalition had, on July 2, 2025, adopted the ADC as its official platform with the aim of contesting the 2027 presidential and general elections.This coalition of national opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power.
It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people,” Mark said at the unveiling.
Mark accused the APC-led Federal Government of hijacking democratic institutions and steering Nigeria toward “a creeping civilian dictatorship. He also alleged that the ruling party was destabilising opposition platforms to entrench a one-party state.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by some of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition leaders, including:
-
Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar
-
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi
-
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai
-
Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi
Also present were Senator Dino Melaye, former Sports Minister Solomon Dalong, publisher Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Former ADC national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, formally handed over the party’s structures and presented membership cards to Mark and Aregbesola during the event.
Not everyone welcomed the development. The ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, condemned the coalition as a gathering of enemies of progress recycling failed leaders. These same people have ruled Nigeria for the last four decades.
Where are we today? A country where 80 per cent of the population is poor. Now they pretend to be the fire brigade, trying to put out the fire they started, Kachikwu argued.
The Mark-led coalition has vowed to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. But Tinubu dismissed the opposition alliance, describing its members as “internally displaced politicians.
