Nigeria’s former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has been named Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as opposition parties join forces in a coalition they say is determined to rebuild democracy and return power to the people.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Wednesday during a formal ceremony in which Ralph Nwosu handed over leadership to Mark. Rauf Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior, was appointed the party’s new national secretary.
In attendance were some of Nigeria’s most influential political figures: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Gabriel Suswam, alongside former APC and PDP chairmen and other senior politicians.
Mark told supporters that the coalition’s aim was not merely to win elections, but to prevent what he called a dangerous drift towards single-party rule under the APC. “We are embarking on a long and difficult journey, but it is one we take out of love for our country,” he said.
He accused the government of eroding democratic institutions and prioritising politics over governance, leaving Nigerians to suffer rising poverty and insecurity. “Never before have we seen such widespread violence and hopelessness, while those in power remain unmoved,” he stated.
Mark expressed concern over the weakening of the National Assembly, claiming it now serves only to applaud the executive branch rather than hold it accountable. “This coalition exists for every Nigerian who shares our belief that the country deserves better,” he added.
Addressing citizens directly, Mark said: “For those struggling to feed their families, for youths questioning the value of their education, and for communities living in daily fear of violence – this coalition is for you.”
The choice of the ADC as the coalition’s platform followed months of consultations. Mark pledged to transform it into a party based on equality and shared purpose. “Here, the North and South will stand together; youth and elders, men and women, farmers and technocrats will all have an equal voice,” he said.
Ralph Nwosu, stepping down after 18 months of discussions with coalition partners, said the decision to unite was driven by a desire to steer Nigeria away from crisis. “This is about national interest, not personal power,” he said.
Nwosu also dismissed criticism from social media, asserting that only non-members opposed the handover. “We expect resistance, but we remain resolute in our mission to rescue Nigeria,” he concluded.
