The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), now headed by former Senate President David Mark.
The confirmation, published on INEC’s official website and seen by Channels Television on Wednesday, follows an internal restructuring within the party aimed at strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alongside Mark, who has been named Interim National Chairman, the commission also listed former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary.
Other key figures now officially recognised by INEC include:
- Oserheimen Osunbor – National Legal Adviser (former Governor of Edo State)
- Ibrahim Mani – National Treasurer
- Akibu Dalhatu – National Financial Secretary
The ADC was officially adopted as the political platform of a newly formed opposition coalition on July 2, 2025, to contest the presidency and other key positions in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the unveiling, David Mark said the coalition was formed to rescue Nigeria from what he described as a steady decline under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Let it be clear: this is not just about gaining political power. This is a united effort to rebuild the crumbling foundations of Nigeria’s democracy. Our mission is simple—Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people,” Mark declared.
He accused the APC-led federal government of compromising democratic institutions and steering the country toward authoritarianism.
“In the last two years, we’ve witnessed a creeping descent into civilian dictatorship. The government has abandoned governance and is now obsessed with politicking,” he said.
Mark further alleged that the ruling party had deliberately infiltrated and destabilised opposition parties to eliminate electoral alternatives and consolidate power.
“The goal is simple—turn Nigeria into a one-party state. This coalition exists to stop that from happening.”
Key Figures in the Coalition
The opposition coalition features several prominent political figures, including:
- Atiku Abubakar – 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate
- Peter Obi – 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate (who has proposed a single-term presidency for 2027)
- Nasir El-Rufai – Former Kaduna State Governor
- Rotimi Amaechi – Former Rivers State Governor
- Dino Melaye – Former Senator
- Solomon Dalong – Former Minister of Youth and Sports
- Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe (Labour Party)
- Emeka Ihedioha – Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives
- Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Rtd.) – Former Chief of Air Staff
During the event, the former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, formally handed over leadership and party membership cards to Mark and Aregbesola.
