In a strategic political development, former national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralf Nwosu, officially handed over the party’s leadership and presented its membership cards to former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Mark and Aregbesola will serve as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively, as the party positions itself as the central platform for Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The symbolic handover took place during a high-profile opposition coalition meeting at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The gathering drew a formidable lineup of political heavyweights, signaling a coordinated effort to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among the attendees were 2023 presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP); former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi; former deputy speaker Emeka Ihedioha; and prominent senators including Dino Melaye, Gabriel Suswam, and Ireti Kingibe. Also present were former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalong, political commentator Dele Momodu, and former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd.).
The adoption of the ADC as a unifying political vehicle was solidified with the formal resignation of Mark from the PDP and his official acceptance of his new role. The move is seen as a bold step toward creating a cohesive opposition bloc capable of mounting a credible challenge to the APC in 2027.
Party representatives and coalition stakeholders hailed the event as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The presence of diverse figures from across the PDP, SDP, LP, and other opposition groups underscored a growing consensus for realignment and collaboration.
