Major Opposition Bloc Unites Under ADC, Nominates David Mark and Aregbesola as Leaders in Bid to Unseat Tinubu

 

A sweeping realignment is reshaping Nigeria’s political terrain as prominent opposition figures converge under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announcing it as their new collective platform in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. This bold maneuver has elevated former Senate President David Mark to the role of protem national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as protem national secretary.

The decision emerged from a high-stakes meeting held behind closed doors, bringing together several of Nigeria’s most influential political veterans. Attendees included former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-APC National Chairman John Oyegun, and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.

Also present were former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal. Their collective appearance sent a strong message to both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and to Nigerians disenchanted with the current state of governance.

Sources close to the event described the gathering as more than just a political strategy session. It was characterized as a coalition of urgency, a deliberate alignment of interests to address what the leaders describe as a deepening national crisis. The consensus among attendees was that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration had not only failed to meet expectations but had also exacerbated economic hardship, insecurity, and social instability.

Throughout the meeting, leaders repeatedly echoed sentiments that Tinubu’s promise of "Renewed Hope" has morphed into what they now call “renewed hardship.” Their objective, they said, was not merely to compete in another electoral cycle but to chart what they termed a national rescue mission.

The coalition’s momentum has grown steadily over the past year, especially since Nasir El-Rufai’s dramatic departure from the APC in early 2025. At that time, he endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a potentially viable platform for opposition consolidation, citing its ideological clarity and established brand. However, the SDP’s internal leadership balked at that vision.

Adewole Adebayo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and other party figures distanced themselves from the coalition, raising concerns over possible infiltration and the erosion of the party’s principles. That pushback created disillusionment among coalition leaders, prompting the search for a new, unified vehicle.

With the SDP proving to be an unstable base, the opposition coalition explored alternative options, including forming an entirely new political entity. In June 2025, the group submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new party called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The application was backed by a comprehensive constitution and manifesto, along with a maize-themed logo meant to symbolize national prosperity and abundance.

The ADA initiative, however, encountered immediate bureaucratic and political roadblocks. El-Rufai publicly expressed skepticism that the INEC, under its current leadership, would approve the application. He cited political interference and regulatory delays as significant obstacles. Complicating the matter further, two separate groups submitted applications using the ADA acronym, triggering a potential conflict over party identity and legal recognition.

With timelines tightening and the 2027 electoral season drawing closer, coalition leaders made the strategic decision to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a pre-existing party with nationwide registration and operational structure. The ADC, though relatively dormant in recent years, offers a ready-made platform that avoids the legal entanglements associated with registering a new party.

By rallying under the ADC, the opposition coalition is signaling a readiness to bypass procedural red tape and engage directly with the electorate. The party’s transformation into a formidable national force is now being overseen by David Mark, whose appointment brings gravitas and a legacy of legislative experience. Rauf Aregbesola, known for his strategic political mobilization skills, is expected to energize grassroots engagement.

This move also represents a convergence of ideologically diverse leaders. Peter Obi’s technocratic approach, Amaechi’s political realism, El-Rufai’s policy-driven advocacy, and Tambuwal’s legislative acumen are now housed under a single roof. The goal is to consolidate these strengths into a singular, coherent political force capable of challenging the APC’s dominance.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also closely linked with the coalition. Though he has not been officially named in the new ADC leadership, sources confirm that he is deeply involved in shaping the strategic direction of the alliance. His involvement hints at a likely ambition to contest once again for the presidency, though insiders suggest that the coalition will ultimately rally behind a consensus candidate to avoid the pitfalls of past fragmented efforts.

The group has begun outlining key policy positions and national priorities. Economic revival, security sector reform, youth employment, and institutional transparency are expected to dominate the coalition’s agenda. While critics argue that the coalition merely recycles familiar political faces, its members insist the movement is about collective responsibility and national redemption.

Campaign preparations have already begun in earnest, with regional consultations, media strategies, and voter mobilization plans underway. The ADC’s updated platform is expected to be formally unveiled in the coming weeks, along with an advisory council that includes technocrats, civil society leaders, and youth representatives.

As the 2027 general elections approach, Nigeria’s political dynamics are shifting rapidly. With the ruling APC facing mounting criticism and the PDP struggling to maintain cohesion, the ADC-led coalition represents what may become the most potent political alliance in decades. Whether it can convert its high-profile backing into genuine electoral momentum remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the political contest ahead is no longer a two-horse race.