In a surprise move that signals deep cracks within its former leadership, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman and ex-Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary, charging them with the urgent task of salvaging the embattled party.
The announcement, made during a tense National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Tuesday in Abuja, followed what insiders describe as months of bitter infighting, factional warlords, and mounting frustrations over the party’s inability to present a unified front.
According to a source privy to the closed-door session, “The house was burning, and we needed firemen—not politicians—to put it out. That’s why David Mark and Aregbesola were brought in.”
Mark, a seasoned political tactician and one of Nigeria’s longest-serving senators, immediately set the tone with a strong declaration of zero tolerance for internal sabotage. He promised to implement sweeping reforms, with specific emphasis on internal democracy, transparency, and inclusion.
“ADC must rise above personal interest and power tussles. We will return the party to its founding ideals,” Mark told delegates, while assuring 35% affirmative action for women and renewed focus on youth participation.
Aregbesola, known for his no-nonsense administrative style, described his assignment as one of “rescue and rebirth.” He promised to confront “the rot” within the system and hold accountable those who have “reduced the party to a personal fiefdom.”
In what appeared to be an open challenge to past leadership, the NEC resolved to dissolve all existing national and state executives, describing their performance as “untenable.” Several expelled members were reinstated, but notably excluded was Dumebi Kachikwu—the controversial former presidential candidate whose tenure was marred by internal conflict and multiple allegations of anti-party behavior.
Party insiders revealed that Kachikwu’s name was brought up during the meeting, but was immediately shut down with murmurs of "irreconcilable betrayal."
Political analysts see this move as an all-or-nothing gamble to save the ADC from complete political obscurity after failing to make significant impact in the last general elections. “It’s a surgical operation. Mark and Aregbesola aren’t here for show—they were drafted to clean house and rebuild from scratch,” said Dr. Halima Joda, a political strategist.
Whether this bold intervention will be enough to revive the party’s dwindling fortunes remains to be seen. But for now, the ADC appears to be under new management—and under no illusions about the tough road ahead.