By Praise Afolabi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark, signalling a major step in the regrouping of Nigeria’s political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The confirmation appeared on INEC’s website on Wednesday, following weeks of internal restructuring within the party. The commission’s list shows Mark as interim national chairman, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. Also listed were former Edo governor Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser, Ibrahim Mani as national treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary.
This development comes barely two months after the ADC was officially adopted by a coalition of opposition figures as their political platform. The coalition, launched on July 2, 2025, has presented itself as a broad alliance of leaders from across the political spectrum with the stated aim of “rescuing” Nigeria from what it describes as creeping authoritarianism under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Unveiling the coalition, Mark declared that the mission was not simply about winning elections but about restoring democratic values. “This coalition 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,” he said.
He accused the APC-led Federal Government of undermining democratic institutions, destabilising opposition parties, and driving the country toward what he termed “a creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship.” He argued that the ruling party had abandoned governance in favour of endless politicking, leaving the nation adrift.
The coalition’s unveiling attracted some of the biggest names in Nigerian politics. Among those present were former vice president and PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party standard-bearer Peter Obi, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi. Also in attendance were Senator Dino Melaye, former sports minister Solomon Dalong, publisher Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Labour Party’s Ireti Kingibe, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
The ceremony included a symbolic handover, with former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu presenting membership cards to Mark and Aregbesola, formally inducting them as interim leaders of the party.
However, not all voices within the ADC have welcomed the development. Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, dismissed the coalition as a gathering of political “recyclables.” Speaking on Channels Television, he described the alliance as a collection of “formers” – former vice presidents, governors, and ministers – who had already had their turn in power but failed to move the country forward. “These same people have ruled Nigeria for the last four decades. Where are we as a country? A nation where 80 per cent of the population is poor. And now they pretend to be the fire brigade, trying to put out the fire they started,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu also waved off the opposition front, calling its leaders “internally displaced politicians.”
Despite the criticism, the Mark-led coalition insists that it represents the best chance to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in 2027. With INEC’s recognition now secured, the group says it is determined to mount a serious challenge to the APC and President Tinubu in the next election cycle.
