The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized former Senate President David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidifying a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to an update published on INEC’s website on Wednesday, the commission also confirmed other top party officials following the restructuring of the ADC. Among those recognized are:
- Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State – National Secretary
- Oserheimen Osunbor, former Edo State Governor – National Legal Adviser
- Ibrahim Mani – Treasurer
- Akibu Dalhatu – Financial Secretary
This announcement follows the adoption of the ADC by an opposition coalition on July 2, 2025, as the political platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The coalition, which described its mission as a plan to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy and provide a credible alternative, includes some of Nigeria’s most influential political figures:
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
- Labour Party’s Peter Obi
- Ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai
- Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi
- Senator Ireti Kingibe
- Former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha
- Former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam
- Dino Melaye, Solomon Dalong, Dele Momodu, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar
At the unveiling of the new leadership, former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu officially handed over to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, signaling a new political direction for the party.
However, the development has not been without controversy. The ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, rejected the coalition, accusing it of bringing together “recycled politicians” who have failed the nation in the past.
Despite this, the Mark-led ADC coalition has vowed to defeat President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 presidential election, positioning itself as the strongest opposition bloc ahead of the polls. Tinubu, in response, dismissed the coalition, describing its members as “displaced politicians.”
