Senator David Mark, interim national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that the newly formed opposition coalition is on a solemn “rescue mission” to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy and restore power to the people.
He made the announcement at a high-profile event in Abuja, where the ADC was officially adopted as the umbrella party for a lineup of former political heavyweights—ranging from Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai, Abubakar Malami, and Rauf Aregbesola.
Mark described the current administration as having “hijacked all democratic institutions,” warning that Nigeria is on a “creeping descent into civilian dictatorship.” He accused the government of prioritizing politicking over governance, and failing to address persistent insecurity, poverty, and institutional decay. He said the coalition goes far beyond simply vying for power—it aims to offer Nigerians a pathway to security, prosperity, peace, and progress, and to prevent a one-party state by uniting a once fractured opposition.
Former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu and other executives voluntarily resigned, clearing the way for Mark and Aregbesola’s interim leadership. The unveiling, originally planned at a private hotel, was shifted to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre after a last-minute cancellation.
The coalition pledge includes long-term institutional reforms, strengthened democracy, and genuine inclusion—promising equal participation across age, region, profession, and political background. Mark called on Nigerians from all walks of life to join this movement, emphasizing that “no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland.”
But despite the show of unity, dissent has already emerged. ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu described the leadership takeover as unauthorised and illegitimate, accusing the interim leaders of attempting a backdoor party hijack without due process. A group of state chairs also labelled the move as a grab by political “geriatrics” and questioned its legal basis.
As it stands, the ADC-led coalition has framed itself as a broad alternative to the ruling APC for the 2027 elections, with its mission rooted in national redemption. Critics warn of internal legal battles, and potential grassroots resistance—raising questions about whether the coalition can sustain unity long enough to present a credible challenge against the current administration.
