Mark, Aregbesola Lead Opposition as ADC Becomes 2027 Battle Platform

Daud Olatunji

In what political analysts are describing as a bold step toward unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, a coalition of Nigeria’s major opposition leaders has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform and named new interim leaders to drive its agenda.

At a high-stakes meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday night, the coalition appointed former Senate President, David Mark, as interim National Chairman of the ADC, and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as interim National Secretary.

PLATFORM TIMES reports that the gathering brought together influential political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Kayode Fayemi, among others.

Also appointed was former Minister of Youth and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, who will serve as the interim National Publicity Secretary.

Sources at the meeting, though not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed to PLATFORM TIMES that the appointments will be officially announced at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

The adoption of the ADC puts to rest weeks of speculation about which party the opposition bloc would rally behind.

The  ADC emerged as the consensus choice following a series of behind-the-scenes negotiations.

The party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has reportedly stepped down to make way for the new interim leadership expected to pilot the coalition’s affairs into the 2027 elections.

Confirmation of the leadership changes was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Kola Ologbondiyan, a former PDP spokesman and ex-aide to David Mark.

“African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been adopted as the political party for the coalition.

“The party has elected Sen. David Mark as the Interim National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the Interim National Secretary,” he wrote.

In a hard-hitting acceptance speech, Aregbesola decried what he described as a hollow and transactional party system in Nigeria, vowing to help build a principled alternative through the ADC.

“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality,” he said.

The former Minister of Interior promised that under his leadership, the ADC would promote internal democracy, rule of law, and inclusivity.

“We will open our doors wide to youths, women, professionals, people with disabilities and all marginalized groups. This party must become a beacon of hope for the Nigerian people,” he declared.

David Mark, a two-term Senate President and veteran of Nigeria’s political scene, returns to national prominence amid growing discontent with the Tinubu administration.

Though he has yet to issue a formal statement, insiders say his selection was unanimous, based on his bipartisan appeal and steady leadership style.

“Mark offers the kind of credibility and calm that the coalition needs at this delicate moment,” a source said.

The development comes at a time when both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties are grappling with internal divisions.

While the APC faces backlash over rising inflation, insecurity, and economic policies, the opposition bloc has also suffered from infighting and strategic disunity.

Tuesday’s meeting is being hailed as a significant effort to overcome those fractures and build a unified front ahead of 2027.

“This is a defining moment,” a source at the meeting told PLATFORM TIMES. “After months of consultations, we have chosen unity over ego, ideology over ambition, and the people over personal interest.”

While many see the selection of Mark and Aregbesola as a strategic move, political analysts caution that the coalition’s success will depend on more than just big names.

“Credibility is one thing, but the coalition must now articulate a clear vision, mobilize at the grassroots, and offer a compelling alternative to Tinubu’s leadership,” said Dr. Raymond Okechukwu, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja.

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