The founder of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has declared that former Senate President, David Mark, is now the leader of the coalition formed to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Naijaonpoint reports that Nwosu made the declaration on Wednesday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, during the official unveiling of the opposition coalition spearheaded by the ADC.
The former ADC National Chairman, who officially stepped down to make way for new leadership, said the coalition had resolved that Mark should steer the political movement towards Aso Rock.
“We all decided to resign so that Mark can paddle this canoe and get us to the Villa,” Nwosu stated to loud applause from the crowd of politicians and supporters present.
The ADC also formally named former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, a one-time ally of President Tinubu, as the interim National Secretary of the coalition.
Nwosu painted a grim picture of the country’s current situation, blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for plunging Nigeria into hardship and chaos.
“Nigeria has been in the ICU. Lives are being lost every day. My appeal to the emerging political leaders is to take Nigeria from the ICU to global reckoning, because we can!” he said.
He further stated, “We can help Mark and Aregbesola by the way we conduct ourselves. Anybody who says anything against what we’ve done today is not an ADC member. We shouldn’t be apologetic. We need to be ready for this battle. More will come, but the way we are, we will surmount them.”
Nwosu, who led the party from inception, assured that he would remain active as a “floor member” until the coalition’s vision is realised.
“My job will not end until we sing the national anthem in the Villa. That will be the real hope,” he declared.
In his speech, Nwosu described Aregbesola as a “man of unparalleled service record” and expressed confidence in the former minister’s ability to deliver on the coalition’s mandate.
“Nigerians are yearning for change. They are yearning for this coalition. I congratulate you both and assure you that working with the NWC and NEC members you will meet, you have no problem,” he said.
The unveiling event attracted a broad range of opposition figures, reinforcing the seriousness of the coalition. Notable attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Also present were former Senate President David Mark, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and media personality Dele Momodu, among others.