.El-Rufai, Obi Lead Charge
..David Mark, Aregbesola named interim National Chairman, National Secretary
..Vows to build ‘ideology driven’ party, warns against ‘empty shell’ politics in acceptance speech
By Eshiorameh Sebastian in Abuja
After months of back and forth, the National Coalition Movement has officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The decision, reached on 1st July 2025 during a marathon meeting of opposition leaders in Abuja, represents a fresh challenge yet to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and sets the stage for what promises to be Nigeria’s most fiercely contested election cycle.
The historic moment saw former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, leading the Social Democratic Party (SDP) faction within the coalition, move the motion for adoption of the ADC as the unified opposition platform, with Labour Party’s Peter Obi seconding in a show of unprecedented opposition unity.
“We can succeed when we work together to be strong enough to deliver,” El-Rufai declared during the closed door negotiations that lasted well into the night. “I urge all progressive forces to unite behind this platform for the sake of Nigeria’s future.” The motion passed by acclamation, marking what many observers are calling a watershed moment in Nigerian opposition politics.
Following the landmark decision, the coalition moved swiftly to establish an interim leadership structure, appointing former Senate President David Mark as interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary of the ADC.
The appointments were designed to balance regional and political considerations while providing experienced hands to steer the party through its crucial formative phase. In a strategic concession to practical realities, the coalition confirmed that members of legacy parties like the SDP and Labour Party would remain in their respective structures for upcoming local elections but would fully integrate into the ADC framework for the presidential contest.
The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as Aregbesola delivered his acceptance speech, articulating a bold vision for the ADC that drew sharp contrasts with Nigeria’s established political parties.
“It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party that I accept this appointment,” Aregbesola began, his voice resonating with conviction. “A political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution—built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.”
Drawing inspiration from liberation movements across Africa, particularly South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), Aregbesola painted a picture of what the ADC must become to succeed where previous opposition efforts had faltered.
“The ANC is not perfect—but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom,” he said, establishing a clear benchmark for the ADC’s development. “It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations. Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties.”
The interim National Secretary spared no criticism for Nigeria’s prevailing political culture, describing most parties as ideologically bankrupt vehicles for personal ambition rather than instruments of national development.
“Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells—merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality,” Aregbesola lamented. “There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country. That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve.”
His blueprint for the ADC’s transformation emphasisped five pillars that would distinguish it from established parties: robust internal democracy, transparent candidate selection processes, functional party structures at all levels, meaningful inclusion of women and youth, and the creation of autonomous wings for critical sectors like labor, agriculture, and professional groups.
“We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced,” Aregbesola insisted. “Where intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just. Where all party structures from the ward to the national level function effectively and efficiently. Where young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.”
The speech took on a more urgent tone as Aregbesola addressed the practical challenges of building a credible opposition platform in Nigeria’s often hostile political environment. “This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done,” he acknowledged, before issuing a direct challenge to both the party leadership and Nigeria’s electorate. “I ask for your support not just in words, but in action. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place.
Discussion about this post