The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised a new leadership team steering the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Senate President David Mark confirmed as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. This endorsement signifies a pivotal development for the opposition party as it positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The electoral body also confirmed other key interim officers within ADC’s national hierarchy. These include former Edo State Governor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser, Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary.
This formal recognition comes on the heels of ADC’s July unveiling of its leadership, an event attended by high-profile political figures such as ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party stalwart Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The gathering underscored ADC’s intent to consolidate a broad political coalition.
Other notable personalities associated with the coalition include Senator Dino Melaye, former Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalong, media personality Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, LP’s Senator Ireti Kingibe, former House Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the national spokesperson for ADC, welcomed INEC’s decision with palpable excitement. Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on September 10, Abdullahi declared “Game on!” He lauded INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for “standing on the right side of history” and reinforcing the cause of multi-party democracy, rallying supporters with the rallying cry: “Arise and shine, Nigeria!”
This recognition not only marks an important institutional milestone for ADC but also energises its base in anticipation of the 2027 elections. With a newly sanctioned leadership and a coalition of prominent figures, ADC appears ready to amplify its presence on Nigeria’s political stage.
