By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
INEC Formally Endorses David Mark as Leader of ADC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by former Senate President David Mark.
The confirmation, published on INEC’s website and seen on Wednesday, follows internal changes in the ADC that produced new officers to strengthen the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Under the new structure, Mark serves as interim national chairman, while former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola is listed as national secretary.
Other senior officials include former Edo governor Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser, Ibrahim Mani as national treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary.
The recognition comes months after a coalition of opposition politicians agreed to adopt the ADC as their platform, formally announcing the move on July 2, 2025.
The coalition said the decision was aimed at uniting opposition forces to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mark said the coalition was not only about winning power but about “rescuing Nigeria” from what he described as declining democratic standards. He accused the APC-led government of capturing institutions and attempting to turn the country into a one-party state.
Several high-profile politicians have aligned with the coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Others in attendance at the adoption event were Senator Dino Melaye, former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalong, Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe, former deputy speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
At the event, Ralph Nwosu, the former ADC national chairman, formally handed over to Mark and Aregbesola, symbolising the coalition’s takeover of the party structure.
But the move has drawn criticism. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, dismissed the coalition leaders as “enemies of progress.”
He accused them of recycling political elites who had failed Nigeria for decades, arguing that their return to prominence would only push the country backwards.
Despite the criticism, the coalition insists it is determined to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. Tinubu, however, downplayed the threat, describing members of the alliance as “internally displaced politicians” seeking relevance.
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