 as its unified platform in preparation for the 2027 general elections.){kind=link}
A coalition of opposition political leaders is reportedly on the verge of adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its unified platform in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
As reported by PUNCH, the group is also considering former Senate President David Mark to serve as the Interim National Chairman of the rebranded political alliance.
According to reliable sources, this strategic move has been endorsed by prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Three independent sources confirmed that Mark has accepted the leadership role.
However, the selection of a National Secretary remains pending, as both former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Ben Obi declined to accept the position.
Despite the setback, those close to the coalition say a resolution will soon be reached, with the formal launch of the party expected within days.
Opposition Alliance Gains Momentum
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has faced mixed reviews since taking office, with opposition leaders accusing his government of underperformance.
However, the main opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP)—have been weakened by internal divisions.
To address this, Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and other political heavyweights came together in March to announce a united front aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The declaration stirred debate across the country over the viability of a single platform capable of challenging the ruling party.
Sources within the alliance revealed that the SDP was ruled out early due to the presence of APC-aligned individuals within its leadership, prompting the shift toward the ADC.
Final Stages of Merger Talks
A senior member of the coalition disclosed that a crucial meeting is scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja, where pending decisions will be finalised.
“The ADC has been agreed upon as the official platform. That’s settled,” the source said.
“David Mark has also accepted to lead the party in an interim capacity.”
On the delayed appointment of a National Secretary, the insider explained that Aregbesola declined due to age and personal reasons, while Senator Obi also turned down the offer.
However, discussions are ongoing to fill the vacancy, and an announcement is expected shortly.
It was also revealed that Peter Obi requested time to consult with key allies, including a sitting governor and members of the National Assembly, before fully committing.
According to another source familiar with the discussions, supporters of the various leaders involved in the coalition have already started aligning themselves with the ADC.
“Due to time constraints and the likelihood that INEC won’t register a new party, we decided to move forward with ADC,” the source said.
“The plan is for everyone to formally decamp from their current parties and join the ADC as the new coalition platform. We’re in the final stages of preparation.”
The insider also revealed that the current leadership of the ADC, including its National Working Committee, has agreed to step aside to allow the new political arrangement to take shape and ensure fair representation.
ADC Chairman Ready to Hand Over
Reacting to the development, current ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, described David Mark as a disciplined and competent leader.
Speaking in an interview, Nwosu confirmed he is ready to vacate his position to support the coalition’s mission.
He noted that discussions with stakeholders have been ongoing for over 18 months, all with the goal of reshaping the political future of Nigeria.
“We are united in the resolve to rescue the country from the current state of hardship and insecurity,” Nwosu said. “It’s time for bold decisions that reflect the urgency of our national challenges.”