The opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for the 2027 general elections.
In a major strategic move, the coalition appointed former Senate President, David Mark, as the interim National Chairman of the ADC, while ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, was named interim National Secretary.
The appointments were announced during a high-level opposition meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, marking a critical milestone in efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next electoral cycle.
According to insiders, a formal announcement by the ADC is expected to follow during another scheduled meeting on Wednesday.
Kola Ologbondiyan, a former aide to David Mark and ex-National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), confirmed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been adopted as the political party for the opposition coalition. Senator David Mark has been elected as the interim National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the interim National Secretary.”
Aregbesola Criticizes Existing Political Parties
In a statement shared Tuesday night via the verified Facebook page of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Aregbesola explained his decision to join the ADC leadership. He criticized the current political landscape, arguing that most parties in Nigeria lack ideological depth.
“The ADC is not perfect, but it stands for something,” Aregbesola declared. “It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity, and true freedom. It has character. It has soul.”
He added:
“Unfortunately, most political parties today are hollow entities driven not by principle or policy but by personal ambitions and power struggles. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.”
Aregbesola’s Political Journey
Aregbesola began his political career as a commissioner under then-Governor Bola Tinubu in Lagos State. He later became Governor of Osun State under the Action Congress after a lengthy legal battle and played a pivotal role in the formation of the APC in 2013. After serving two terms as governor, he was appointed Minister of Interior by President Muhammadu Buhari. However, he fell out with Tinubu prior to the 2023 elections amid political disputes in Osun State.
Background: A Coalition in the Making
As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections, Aregbesola has aligned with several prominent figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The alliance was first unveiled at a strategic meeting in Abuja on March 20, 2025, sparking nationwide debate on the potential for a unified opposition to mount a formidable challenge against the APC.
Initially, the coalition sought to register a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), following unsuccessful negotiations with both the ADC and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). However, when registration hurdles emerged with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), talks with the ADC were revived and ultimately successful.
This latest development marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s evolving political terrain, setting the stage for an intense showdown in 2027.
