Founder and pioneer Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has announced that former Senate President David Mark has been selected to lead the newly formed opposition coalition in its quest to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Nwosu made the declaration on Tuesday during the official unveiling of the coalition at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. He confirmed that both he and other top ADC officials had voluntarily stepped down to allow new leadership steer the party’s presidential campaign.
“We all decided to resign so that Mark can paddle this canoe and get us to the Villa,” Nwosu said.
He also revealed that former Osun State Governor and former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, has been appointed as Secretary of the coalition. Aregbesola, a former ally of President Tinubu, was praised by Nwosu as a public servant with a remarkable record of dedication and impact.
“Nigerians are yearning for change. They are yearning for the coalition,” Nwosu said. “I congratulate you both and assure you that working with the NWC and NEC members you will meet, you have no problem.”
Describing Nigeria’s current state as critical, Nwosu added, “Nigeria has been in ICU. Lives are being lost every day. My appeal to the emerging political leaders is to take Nigeria from the ICU to global reckoning, because we can.”
He urged members of the coalition to remain focused and resist distractions, warning that anyone opposing the day’s developments could no longer be considered a true member of the ADC.
Among the high-profile figures in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai; former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi; and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
The coalition is expected to serve as a unified political front ahead of the 2027 elections, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its adopted platform.
