As Nigeria’s major opposition forces gear up for the 2027 elections, the emerging anti-Tinubu coalition has finalized plans to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its joint political platform. However, the alliance is still searching for a suitable candidate to serve as National Secretary after former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Ben Obi both declined the position.
ADC Becomes Official Platform as David Mark Takes the Helm
Multiple insiders have confirmed that the coalition—which unites influential figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi—has agreed to rally behind the ADC.
In a strategic move to give the new bloc a credible and unifying leadership, former Senate President David Mark has accepted to serve as Interim National Chairman. The decision, reached after extensive consultations, is expected to strengthen the coalition’s appeal and organizational structure.
Leadership Gaps Remain as Aregbesola, Obi Turn Down Key Role
While Mark’s leadership has been secured, the coalition still faces a vacuum in the National Secretary role. Sources within the alliance revealed that Aregbesola turned down the offer, citing his age and advice from his wife to slow down on political commitments. Similarly, Senator Ben Obi opted out, leaving the coalition to continue its search for a consensus candidate.
A senior insider said, “We’ve all agreed on the ADC as the coalition’s platform and David Mark as interim chairman, but the secretary position remains open. We hope to finalize that in Abuja this week.”
Major Opposition Leaders Ready to Quit Current Parties for ADC
Following months of internal wrangling within the PDP, LP, NNPP, and SDP, these key opposition figures decided to merge efforts to challenge what they describe as the “failed APC administration.”
At a March 20 event in Abuja, Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and Amaechi publicly unveiled their plan to form a grand coalition. Now, with the ADC formally adopted, they are preparing to dump their respective parties to strengthen the new bloc.
Another top source disclosed, “Time is short, and INEC hasn’t been receptive to registering new parties. That’s why we settled on the ADC. You will soon see formal defections from the PDP, LP, and even former APC heavyweights into the ADC.”
Current ADC Leadership Welcomes Coalition, Prepared to Step Aside
In an exclusive comment, ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu endorsed Mark’s emergence, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most disciplined and detribalized statesmen.
“I am prepared to step down for David Mark. This is not about power grabbing; it’s about saving Nigeria from poverty and insecurity. If you look across the states, you’ll already see LP and PDP leaders contesting on our platform. It shows the coalition is working even before the formal unveiling,” Nwosu said.
He added that within the next few days, the ADC would officially receive these political heavyweights, setting the stage for what could become Nigeria’s most formidable opposition alliance ahead of 2027.
Obi’s Camp Signals Readiness for Major Political Shift
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, confirmed that Peter Obi remains open to abandoning the Labour Party if it serves the broader goal of “rescuing Nigeria.”
Tanko hinted at an imminent announcement: “Peter Obi is ready to take whatever step necessary. The media will be invited very soon for a major briefing.”
Grand Unveiling Expected Within Days
As anticipation builds, a key Atiku loyalist confirmed that final meetings will take place this week in Abuja to iron out the remaining leadership details. “We’re at an advanced stage. Before the week is over, Nigerians should expect a formal declaration on both the platform and its leadership,” he said.
With negotiations nearly concluded and grassroots supporters already aligning under the ADC, Nigeria’s political landscape is poised for a dramatic shift, setting up a high-stakes showdown with the ruling APC come 2027.
