The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim leaders to prepare the party for the 2027 general elections.
This move is part of a major plan to unite Nigeria’s opposition parties and present a strong alternative to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mark will serve as the Interim National Chairman, while Aregbesola has been named Interim National Secretary. The party also appointed Chief Anayo Arinze as Interim Deputy Chairman (South), Alhaji Ibrahim Manzo as Interim Deputy Chairman (North), and Bolaji Abdullahi, former Sports Minister, as Interim National Publicity Secretary.
Speaking anonymously to Vanguard, a source close to the party said, “This is a strategic move to unite the opposition and present a strong front against the APC. The ADC was selected due to its grassroots strength and absence of internal crises.”
The appointments were finalised on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting of top opposition leaders. The ADC will now serve as the main platform for a coalition that includes members from the Labour Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and even some former APC members who are unhappy with the current government.
Sources say the opposition wanted to use a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), but delays from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) forced them to go with the ADC instead.
“The ADC’s link to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s reformist ideals also influenced the decision. The party is widely seen as credible and capable of driving real political change,” another insider said.
The interim leaders have been tasked with reorganising the party and reaching out to supporters across Nigeria’s six regions. They will also plan a national convention in 2026 to elect permanent leaders.
Ralph Okey Nwosu, the ADC’s founding member and former national chairman, has reportedly stepped aside to allow the new structure to take shape.
A party insider said, “Nwosu’s decision to step down was key to facilitating this transition. His support has ensured a smooth handover to the interim team.”