Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) now headed by former Senate President David Mark.
The confirmation, displayed on INEC’s official website and sighted on Wednesday, signals a major milestone for the opposition coalition that adopted the ADC as its political platform earlier this year.
David Mark, a two-term Senate president and one of Nigeria’s most experienced politicians, was appointed interim chairman after the party concluded its internal restructuring process.
This restructuring produced new national officers tasked with repositioning the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to INEC’s official listing, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola is now recognised as the National Secretary.
Also listed are former Edo State governor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser, Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary.
The opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as its platform on July 2, 2025, with the explicit aim of contesting both presidential and legislative elections in 2027.
The move was seen as a unification step for several heavyweight politicians dissatisfied with Nigeria’s dominant parties.
Political analysts say INEC’s recognition now provides the coalition with the legitimacy needed to begin nationwide mobilisation.
Supporters argue that the ADC under Mark’s leadership could emerge as the country’s strongest opposition bloc, capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
Already, the party has made bold claims about being the “only real opposition” in Nigeria. Some of its members have accused the ruling government of using security agencies to intimidate dissenting voices.
Others have dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) as “paper parties” lacking the structure to mount an effective campaign.
The recognition also comes at a critical time as former governors and ex-lawmakers continue to defect from traditional parties into the ADC-led coalition.
With Mark at the helm, the party is expected to roll out its political strategy in the coming months, focusing on building grassroots support across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
INEC’s decision effectively validates the coalition’s restructuring process and positions the ADC as a central player in Nigeria’s fast-changing opposition landscape.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, attention will now shift to how the David Mark-led team consolidates its gains and builds momentum to challenge the ruling party at the polls.
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