Barring any last-minute changes, the anti-Tinubu coalition is set to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Senate President David Mark has reportedly agreed to serve as the Interim National Chairman of the rebranded party.
Sources within the coalition told Sunday PUNCH that key opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi—have endorsed both the platform and Mark’s leadership.
Although the coalition is yet to name a National Secretary—following the decline of the role by former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Ben Obi—insiders say consensus on that position is expected soon.
The coalition, formed in March, emerged in response to growing dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
While the government has recorded some gains, opposition leaders continue to accuse the All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanagement and failure, especially in tackling poverty and insecurity.
With internal crises affecting the major opposition parties—PDP, LP, NNPP, and SDP—the alliance aims to present a united front.
Talks of which party structure to adopt have been ongoing, but sources say the ADC was ultimately chosen after rejecting the SDP due to its ties with Tinubu loyalists.
One insider confirmed that the group would meet in Abuja on Wednesday to finalise plans. “We’ve agreed to adopt ADC. David Mark has accepted to serve as Interim Chairman. Discussions about the National Secretary are still ongoing, as Aregbesola and Ben Obi both declined,” the source said.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi has requested more time to consult with his supporters, including a serving governor and some lawmakers, before making the official switch to ADC.
According to coalition members, their supporters have already begun integrating into the ADC.
The current leadership of the ADC, including National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, is expected to step down voluntarily to accommodate the coalition’s leadership and allow for equitable restructuring of party offices.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Nwosu praised David Mark as a disciplined and capable leader, adding that he is ready to vacate his position in the interest of national unity.
“The conversation has been ongoing for 18 months,” Nwosu said. “We are all committed to rescuing Nigeria from the failed APC. Enough of poverty and insecurity.”