• Declares mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria

  • Aregbesola, Bolaji named Secretary, Spokesman, respectively

  • Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi attend unveiling event

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Former Senate President David Mark has emerged as the interim leader of a new opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring the platform a unifying force for Nigerians disillusioned by insecurity, economic hardship, and broken promises.

The announcement was made during a formal unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, July 2, as the coalition sets its sights on unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The venue for the unveiling was abruptly changed after Wells Carlton Hotel cancelled at the last minute, citing an unspecified “internal compliance matter.” The event was relocated to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, as announced by ADC’s Deputy National Secretary, Nkem Ukandu.

Prominent political figures attended the ceremony, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi. Their presence underscored the growing momentum behind the ADC’s efforts to forge a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mark, a respected statesman and two-term Senate President, will lead the ADC through its transition period, with former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, named interim National Secretary, and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, appointed interim National Publicity Secretary.

The leadership restructuring followed the resignation of the party’s long-standing National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, who stepped down to allow for what he described as a “new phase of political consolidation and growth.” The party disclosed that the restructuring resulted from an 18-month coalition-building process, involving 12 meetings of the ADC’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mark described the ADC as a “big tent” for patriots across party lines, committed to rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.

“To all youths who face an uncertain future and question the value of their education and certificates, this coalition is for you,” Mark declared. He also reached out to victims of violence and terror, saying, “To all our brothers and sisters in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, Katsina, Kaduna, Edo, parts of the South East, South West, South-South who live under constant fear, who have lost a father, a mother, a child, a husband, a wife, this coalition is for you.”

He stated that the coalition was born out of the need to provide a real alternative to the failures of the APC-led federal government. “To all our citizens who believe they deserve better, who have been promised much and given so little, for whom renewed hope has turned to renewed hopelessness—this is your coalition,” he said.

Mark announced that, after months of extensive consultations, stakeholders from various legacy parties resolved to adopt the ADC as their political platform for the 2027 elections.

“Having adopted the ADC, we commit ourselves to building and transforming it into a strong political party—a party of equal stakeholders, equal joiners, and equal owners,” he stated, emphasising the coalition’s commitment to restoring internal democracy, transparency, and accountability.

Acknowledging upcoming bye-elections and a governorship election, Mark stressed that the coalition remains united under the ADC for the long term. “All of us remain firmly united under the ADC banner for the 2027 general elections and beyond,” he said, calling on Nigerians across all regions, classes, and age groups to rally behind the movement.

He described the ADC as “the great house into which all patriots are invited,” where “the North shall hold hands with the South, the youth shall find equal footing with the elder, women will be equal partners with men, and the farmer and the technocrat shall labour side by side—not for the triumph of one party over another, but for the triumph of Nigeria herself.”

Concluding with a call to action, Mark declared, “This is the bold new path we declare today—a path of unity over division, service over slogans, action over excuses, rule of law over impunity, and justice over inequity.

“Let it be known today, across Nigeria and beyond: The opposition is united. The platform is ADC. The time is now. The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people.”

According to party sources, the ADC will intensify its membership drive and nationwide consultations in the coming months to expand its reach and build a formidable grassroots presence.

“Our new leadership is a blend of integrity, capacity, and vision. With David Mark at the helm and Aregbesola as secretary, we are confident in our ability to offer Nigerians a credible alternative,” an ADC official said.