INEC recognises David Mark-Led leadership of ADC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.

The updated leadership details were published on INEC’s website and sighted by Channels Television on Wednesday.

The recognition follows an internal restructuring within the ADC that produced new national officers as part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mark assumes the role of interim chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been named National Secretary.

Other key officers include former Edo State Governor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser, Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary.

The ADC was formally adopted as the political platform of a new opposition coalition on July 2, 2025. The coalition, which brings together key opposition figures, has vowed to “rescue and rebuild Nigeria,” accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of hijacking democratic institutions and pushing the nation toward a one-party system.

“This coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy,” Mark said during the unveiling, accusing the government of being “consumed with politicking” and neglecting governance.

Prominent figures in the coalition include former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Other members include Senator Dino Melaye, Solomon Dalong, Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu formally handed over the party’s membership cards to Mark and Aregbesola, confirming their leadership roles.

However, ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, criticised the coalition, describing its members as “enemies of progress” and accusing them of recycling leadership that has failed the nation for decades.

The Mark-led coalition has set its sights on unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027, but Tinubu dismissed their efforts, branding them “internally displaced politicians.”