Major opposition leaders have adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their new political platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The coalition has also nominated former Senate President David Mark as the party’s protem national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as protem national secretary.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday night.
Prominent leaders present at the meeting include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Oyegun, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, and former House Speaker and ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Others in attendance include influential political figures like Kashim Imam and other senior stakeholders from across the political spectrum.
In his acceptance speech, Aregbesola called for a return to values-driven politics rooted in ideology and public service.
He said: “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.”
“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.”
“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.
He 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.
“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.
“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.
He said: “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.”
Recall that in June 2025 the coalition applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new party called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The application included a constitution, manifesto, and a maize-themed logo symbolizing prosperity.
However, El-Rufai expressed doubts that INEC, under its current leadership, would approve the registration, citing political bias.
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