Senator David Mark, a former Senate President, and Rauf Aregbesola, ex-Governor of Osun State, have emerged as interim Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has now been adopted as the official political platform for a growing opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
According to credible sources present at a closed-door meeting held late Tuesday in Abuja, the decision was unanimous among coalition leaders.
These individuals, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, revealed that former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has also been appointed as interim National Publicity Secretary.
“We just concluded a meeting tonight. Mark and Aregbesola have been appointed as the ADC Interim National Chairman and National Secretary,”
one of the sources disclosed.
“This will be officially unveiled tomorrow (Wednesday), so we are on track.”
DAILY GAZETTE had earlier reported exclusively on May 19 that the coalition led by figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and others—had settled on ADC as its platform after weeks of internal consultation.
Confirming the report, Kola Ologbondiyan, a former aide to Senator Mark and one-time PDP National Publicity Secretary, posted via his verified X account:
“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 Raud Aregbesola as the interim National Secretary.”
The coalition, which was initially unveiled during a strategic meeting in Abuja on March 20, has been touted as a potential game-changer in the 2027 election cycle.
Despite mixed public reactions, the idea of a united opposition has gained traction in political circles.
Though Aregbesola initially declined the secretary role, sources revealed that pressure from coalition leaders ultimately convinced him to accept.
“You know Aregbesola rejected it some time ago, but he was prevailed upon by stakeholders, so he has accepted to serve in that capacity,” another insider said.
“All of this, and more, will be made public tomorrow. Former Minister of Sport, Bolaji will serve as National Publicity Secretary.”
With Ralph Nwosu, the former ADC National Chairman, stepping aside to make room for the interim leadership, the coalition is now set for a formal unveiling in Abuja.
The opposition’s effort comes amid growing discontent with President Tinubu’s administration, which, while recording some achievements, has been persistently criticised by various opposition parties and civil society groups.
