Former Senate President David Mark may lead a new political coalition that is preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The coalition, which includes top political figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, has chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official political platform.
Three reliable sources told Sunday PUNCH that David Mark has accepted to serve as the Interim National Chairman of the ADC. The coalition is expected to make an official announcement this week.
“What I can tell you is that we have all agreed on the ADC as the national coalition platform. David Mark will be the Interim National Chairman. We planned to unveil it earlier, but Peter Obi asked for time to consult his supporters,” a source involved in the talks said.
The coalition, which was first announced in Abuja on March 20, 2024, aims to unite opposition voices against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Leaders of the group said the APC government has failed to deliver on its promises.
“We are all committed to rescuing Nigeria from the failed APC. Enough of poverty and insecurity,” said Ralph Nwosu, the current ADC Chairman.
Nwosu praised Mark as “one of the most disciplined Nigerians” and said he is ready to step down for him.
“There is no better person to do the job of ADC National Chairman and bring everybody together beyond politics than David Mark. I am ready to step aside and sacrifice for Nigeria,” Nwosu added.
Peter Obi’s spokesman, Yunusa Tanko, also confirmed that a major announcement is coming soon.
“Obi is willing to take any step that will help rescue Nigeria. As long as it is in the interest of the country, he is ready to work with the coalition,” Tanko said.
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While former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Ben Obi declined offers to serve as National Secretary, the coalition is still working to fill that position.
Many members of the coalition have already begun to join the ADC. In some states, politicians from the PDP, Labour Party, and even APC are now flying the ADC flag.
“Time is no longer on our side. INEC is not willing to register new parties, so we agreed to use the ADC. We will all move to the ADC and leave our former platforms,” another source said.
However, the APC has dismissed the coalition’s efforts. Bala Ibrahim, APC’s Director of Publicity, said the ruling party is not worried.
Ibrahim said, “This mission is dead on arrival. ADC is not a platform that can challenge the APC. We are confident Nigerians will vote for us again in 2027.”
Despite the APC’s confidence, political observers are watching closely as the coalition prepares to launch what could become a strong challenge in the next presidential election. The coming week is expected to bring official confirmation of the new party leadership and the formal unveiling of the coalition’s plans.