In a major political shakeup ahead of the 2027 general elections, top executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have resigned, formally transferring party leadership to a newly formed opposition coalition led by former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The announcement was made Wednesday, July 2, during the coalition’s unveiling at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Ralph Nwosu, the founding National Chairman of the ADC, declared that he and other party leaders were stepping down to give way for a new leadership that can reposition Nigeria and mount a credible challenge to the current administration.
“We all decided to resign so that Mark can paddle this canoe and get us to the Villa,” Nwosu stated, drawing loud applause from party members and coalition supporters.
Nwosu, who had led the party since its inception, described the coalition as a direct response to what he termed Nigeria’s continued decline under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He commended Aregbesola once a close ally of President Bola Tinubu for his inclusion, called him “a man of unparalleled service record” whose involvement signaled a clear departure from old political patterns.
“Nigeria has been in the ICU. Lives are being lost every day,” Nwosu said emotionally.
“My job will not end until we sing the national anthem inside Aso Rock. That will be the real hope.”
Nwosu urged ADC members to rally behind the new team and warned against internal sabotage, saying those criticizing the coalition are no longer considered part of the party.
The ADC-led coalition has brought together several influential political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Sources within the coalition said their goal is to present a united front in the 2027 presidential election and end the APC’s reign while restoring credibility and public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
