In a strategic political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed former Senate President, Senator David Mark, as its Interim National Chairman, and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as Interim National Secretary. The appointments come as part of a broader effort by opposition figures to form a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement followed a high-level meeting of opposition leaders held on Tuesday night in Abuja. Multiple sources who attended the meeting confirmed the development but requested anonymity, citing lack of authorization to speak publicly. According to them, the appointments were reached unanimously by stakeholders in the opposition coalition.
In addition, former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has been named Interim National Publicity Secretary of the party.
The ADC, which has now emerged as the adopted platform for a newly formed opposition coalition, is expected to be formally unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday. This development follows months of consultations and political maneuvering among opposition heavyweights.
“The meeting concluded tonight with a consensus on Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola leading the ADC as interim chairman and secretary,” one of the sources disclosed. “Former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi will also serve as the interim National Publicity Secretary.”
Another source confirmed that Aregbesola, who initially declined the role, agreed to serve after persistent appeals from key coalition members.
The formation of this new coalition has been in the works since March 20, when notable opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai—met in Abuja to discuss a common platform to challenge the APC in the next election cycle.
Despite notable achievements, President Tinubu’s administration has continued to face criticism from opposition parties over its handling of economic and governance issues. However, the main opposition parties—Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP)—have also been dealing with internal divisions.
In May, The PUNCH exclusively reported that the ADC had been chosen as the coalition’s political vehicle. On Tuesday night, that decision was officially affirmed with the announcement of the interim leadership team.
Confirming the development via social media, former PDP National Publicity Secretary and aide to David Mark, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated:
“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.”
The formal unveiling of the ADC’s new leadership is expected to take place today in Abuja, marking a significant step toward a unified opposition bloc ahead of 2027.
