The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of Interim National Chairman David Mark, has assured state chairmen of the party’s active inclusion in the emerging opposition coalition gearing up to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The assurance was given during a strategic meeting held on Thursday at the Abuja residence of the interim chairman, where the ADC NWC met with state chairmen and key stakeholders to discuss the party’s roadmap to 2027 and the critical role each state structure will play in the broader alliance.
David Mark, a former Senate President, stressed the importance of internal unity and collaboration as the ADC positions itself as a major force in the coalition of opposition parties aiming to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He reassured attendees that no one would be left behind in the renewed push for national relevance and that the input of state chairmen would be crucial to shaping the coalition’s structure and strategy.
This development comes against the backdrop of internal tensions that rocked the party last year. On July 2, 2023, ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, along with some state chairmen, publicly accused David Mark and interim National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola of being imposed on the party. They also alleged that the duo was working to oust certain state chairmen from their positions. The party was thrown into a leadership crisis, raising fears of further fragmentation.
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However, Thursday’s meeting is being viewed as part of efforts to mend fences and rebuild confidence within the party’s ranks. David Mark emphasized reconciliation, promising transparency and accountability as the ADC prepares to play a central role in what many anticipate will be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential election.
Also on Thursday, Interim National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola addressed ADC members in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he rallied grassroots support and urged members to remain committed to the party’s vision. Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, said the ADC is ready to take bold steps and offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the APC and PDP, emphasizing that unity at all levels is non-negotiable if the party is to succeed.
As opposition parties continue to engage in talks to form a united front against President Tinubu’s re-election bid, the ADC’s inclusion in the coalition is expected to deepen its political relevance and widen the scope of the challenge facing the ruling party. The strategic outreach by the NWC signals a renewed momentum for the ADC, and insiders say more consultations and alliance-building meetings are expected in the coming weeks.