The founding National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has confirmed that leaders of the party voluntarily resigned their positions to allow former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to take over its leadership and steer a new nationwide opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwosu made the announcement on Wednesday during the official unveiling of the ADC as the platform for the emerging opposition alliance, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The event marks a major political realignment as Mark and Aregbesola were formally presented as the interim National Chairman and interim National Secretary of the restructured ADC, now poised to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the next election cycle.
“We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola and others can lead us to the Villa,” Nwosu declared.
“We also approved Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party. When you look at the two of them and their commitment to this country, you’ll see that this is a new beginning. They will reposition the party and Nigeria.”
The move signals a calculated and symbolic generational shift, as the party’s original leadership steps back to make room for high-profile figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum. The event drew a significant number of political heavyweights, including former governors, lawmakers, and 2023 presidential candidates, all expressing support for a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC’s transformation into the core platform for a 2027 opposition coalition is being closely watched, particularly given the calibre of individuals now driving the initiative.
Mark’s leadership is expected to lend institutional experience and national appeal, while Aregbesola’s involvement marks a notable break from the APC, under which he previously served as Minister of Interior.
Observers say the coalition may reshape Nigeria’s political landscape heading into 2027.