A new political coalition comprising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator David Mark, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform.
As part of the sweeping changes within the party, former Senate President, David Mark emerged National Chairman while former Minister of Interior and two-term Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has emerged as the new National Secretary of the ADC.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting of party stakeholders and coalition leaders in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his acceptance speech, Aregbesola struck a tone of urgency and reform, calling for a return to values-driven politics rooted in ideology and public service.
“It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party that I accept the appointment as the National Secretary of our great party,” Aregbesola declared.
He thanked the party leadership and coalition members for their confidence in him but emphasized that his loyalty would lie with the people and the ideals of accountable governance.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Aregbesola did not shy away from criticizing Nigeria’s existing political party culture, lamenting the lack of ideological clarity among dominant parties.
“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. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from historical liberation movements, Aregbesola pointed to the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa as an example of what a people-centered, ideology-based party can achieve.
“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, and true freedom. It has character. It has soul,” he stated.
Outlining his vision, Aregbesola promised to reposition the ADC as a modern political institution that embraces internal democracy, transparency, and service delivery beyond electoral cycles.
“We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced… where young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion,” he said.
He added that under his leadership, the ADC would ensure fair and transparent intra-party competition, empower all party structures from the ward to the national level, and create autonomous wings for critical interest groups—educators, workers, farmers, professionals, persons with disabilities, and others.
He also said the party will adopt international best practices from countries like South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya.
“We will study what works and adapt what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us,” he pledged.
Aregbesola however warned, “This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.
“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—as a service to the people.”
The adoption of the ADC by the powerful coalition—bringing together figures from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC)—signals what is being called a ‘third-force evolution that could disrupt the current two-party dominance.
Aregbesola is still a member of the ruling APC. Atiku is also a member of the PDP while Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party.
