Former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have been unveiled as the interim National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a newly revived platform serving as a broad opposition front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Their appointments, which put to rest months of speculation over the formation of a unified opposition coalition, were finalized during a strategic meeting of top opposition figures in Abuja on Tuesday night, July 1, 2025.

The coalition includes key political players such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. These figures have been in discussions over the ideal platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his acceptance remarks, Aregbesola expressed deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility, outlining his vision for a party grounded in democratic principles and people-oriented governance. He warned against political opportunism and called for parties to be driven by ideology and principle rather than ambition or power plays.

Citing South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) as a benchmark, Aregbesola emphasized the importance of party supremacy over government and criticised many Nigerian political parties as lacking ideological direction—describing them as “empty shells” built on personality cults and power struggles.

As interim Secretary, he pledged to build a party committed to democracy, rule of law, accountability, transparency, social justice, and national development. He stressed the need for strong internal party structures, transparency in intra-party processes, and genuine inclusivity.

He also advocated for greater involvement of youth, women, and marginalized groups, alongside meaningful roles for professionals including educators, farmers, workers, security agents, and persons with special needs.

Aregbesola promised that the new leadership would uphold global best practices in party governance, drawing inspiration from political systems in countries like Sweden, Kenya, Chile, and South Africa.

“Discipline, order, purpose, and people-first service must be our hallmark,” he declared, adding that the party must live up to its promises—like building schools when it speaks of education and enacting safety-focused policies for communities.

He concluded by urging party members to actively support the movement and hold the leadership accountable, expressing hope that their work would meet the expectations of Nigerians. “Long live our party. Long live our democracy. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.