In a landmark development that may reshape the nation’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally relinquished control of its party structure to key figures in Nigeria’s opposition movement, including former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
This sweeping restructuring was announced during an expanded strategic meeting held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where the outgoing ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, declared that the entire leadership of the party across Nigeria’s 36 states had unanimously resigned to pave the way for what he called a “united front for national redemption.”
“We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola, and others can lead us to the Villa,” Nwosu stated, referring to the 2027 presidential elections.
Though not on the official speakers’ list, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has emerged as the behind-the-scenes architect of the coalition. According to multiple sources within the newly forming alliance, Malami worked discreetly for over a year to build consensus among prominent political figures, brokering trust between factions and unifying divergent ideologies.
A senior coalition member who asked not to be named described Malami as “the engineer of this opposition structure—a man who chose to build from behind instead of leading from the front.”
His quiet influence is credited with bringing seasoned leaders together under a shared goal of contesting power through a credible and inclusive political platform.
El-Rufai, the Mu’azzin Who Called the Political Prayer
While Malami set the blueprint, it was former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai who gave the movement its voice. Referred to by insiders as “the mu’azzin who called the prayer—and the people answered,” El-Rufai's role in convening old allies and rallying support across party lines proved decisive.
His entrance into the coalition brought immediate legitimacy and momentum, especially among former governors and technocrats dissatisfied with the direction of the current administration.
A Gathering of Opposition Titans
The unveiling event brought together some of Nigeria’s most recognizable political figures. In attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, Gabriel Suswam, Oserheimen Osunbor, Abdulfattah Ahmed, and Celestine Omehia; as well as former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.
Also present were former national chairmen of major political parties, including Victor Umeh, Prince Uche Secondus, and John Odigie-Oyegun. The presence of these figures signaled a coalition of experience, strength, and serious intent.
The ADC, now under the interim leadership of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, is expected to anchor the political structure for the broader opposition alliance.
Disruptions and Symbolism
The coalition’s unveiling was nearly marred by unexpected challenges. Originally scheduled to hold at a major Abuja hotel, the event was abruptly cancelled by the venue management, citing “internal compliance concerns.” This forced organizers to move the event at the last minute to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Party sources believe the cancellation was politically motivated, a sign that the coalition’s formation has already rattled vested interests.
Despite the disruption, attendance was high, and the atmosphere charged with anticipation. According to ADC spokesperson Nkem Ukandu, no one was sponsored or compensated to attend, affirming the coalition’s credibility and commitment to grassroots engagement.
Internal Resistance
However, the coalition has not been universally welcomed within the ADC. National Publicity Secretary Musa Isa Matara has publicly rejected the handover and described the transition as an elite-driven hijack of the party. He accused the interim leadership of excluding ADC’s authentic grassroots structures and warned that unresolved legal issues from the 2023 general elections still linger.
> “This move lacked internal consensus. It was not endorsed by our ward or state chapters. This is not unity; this is substitution,” Matara said in a statement made available to journalists.
The party may now face legal challenges that could threaten the stability of the coalition’s framework if the said allegations were anything to go by.
A Grand Strategy for 2027
Despite the early turbulence, there is growing belief among opposition watchers that this coalition could emerge as a formidable force in the 2027 general elections. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to seek re-election and the nation battling persistent inflation, youth unrest, and worsening economic conditions, the opposition believes the time is ripe for a united alternative.
According to insiders, a comprehensive manifesto and policy roadmap is expected to be unveiled in the coming months. Among the proposed priorities are constitutional reforms, electoral justice, national security restructuring, fuel subsidy management, and economic revitalization.
For now, all eyes are on Malami, El-Rufai, Mark, and Aregbesola as they guide this new alliance into what promises to be one of the most hotly contested political eras in Nigerian history.
📰 Abuja Network News will continue to provide detailed coverage of this unfolding political realignment. For real-time updates, visit www.abujanetworknews.com.ng
Tags
News