In a decisive move ahead of the 2027 general elections, an influential coalition of opposition leaders has settled on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their unified political platform, with former Senate President David Mark emerging as the interim national chairman.
Major Opposition Figures Rally to Unseat Tinubu in 2027
Key figures driving this coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi. They are aligning forces under the ADC banner to mount a robust challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition, first unveiled in Abuja on March 20, had sparked nationwide debates on the possibility of a truly united opposition. After months of consultations and speculation over which party would serve as their political vehicle, the leaders have now finalized plans to adopt the ADC.
David Mark to Lead as Interim National Chairman
According to reliable insiders, David Mark has agreed to serve as interim national chairman, guiding the coalition through its critical early stages. Three credible sources confirmed his acceptance of the role, describing it as a strategic step to lend the movement both credibility and experience.
The choice of Mark has been widely endorsed, including by the current ADC national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, who hailed him as “one of the most disciplined and detribalised Nigerians.” Nwosu expressed readiness to step aside, saying, “To me, Nigeria comes first. Our democracy has been compromised beyond everything, so we must move forward.”
Former Party Leaders Integrating Into ADC
Already, loyalists of Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and Amaechi are said to be integrating into the ADC across different states. An insider revealed that the party’s current leadership, including members of the ADC’s National Working Committee, would voluntarily step down to allow for an equitable restructuring that accommodates the coalition’s diverse interests.
“Time is not on our side, and with INEC showing reluctance to register new parties, we had to settle on the ADC,” one source disclosed. “The agreement is that we will all formally leave our existing parties and converge under this coalition platform.”
Peter Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, and Others Set for Formal Declaration
The coalition is expected to hold a crucial meeting in Abuja this Wednesday to tie up loose ends, particularly the still-vacant position of national secretary after former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Ben Obi both turned down the offer.
Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Peter Obi is reportedly consulting his support base—including a governor and several lawmakers—to secure backing before the official unveiling.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, confirmed that Obi remains open to leaving the Labour Party if it means advancing the mission of rescuing Nigeria. “He is prepared to take whatever step is necessary,” Tanko noted, adding that the media would soon be invited to witness a major announcement.
Current ADC Chairman Welcomes the Coalition
Ralph Nwosu, ADC’s national chairman, underscored the urgency of building a united front to tackle Nigeria’s deepening economic woes and insecurity under the APC. “What we are doing is beyond politics and power grabbing,” he said. “It’s about rebuilding Nigeria.”
Nwosu highlighted that, in many cases, ADC candidates are already drawn from PDP and LP ranks. “For example, in Anambra State, our governorship candidate is a Labour Party chieftain, while the running mate is from the PDP. It’s already working.”
Grand Announcement Expected This Week
Insiders suggest that by the end of this week, the coalition’s formation under the ADC will be formally declared, setting in motion what could be Nigeria’s strongest opposition alliance in recent history.
A top Atiku loyalist summed it up: “Everything is at an advanced stage. We expect a public announcement very soon that will clarify the platform and leadership, marking the official start of this historic journey toward 2027.”
