Opposition Coalition Backs ADC as 2027 Platform, Appoints David Mark National Chairman

 Nigeria’s electoral landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, a coalition of opposition parties has formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its unified platform. The coalition further announced the appointment of former Senate President, David Mark, as the new National Chairman of the party, signaling a major strategic realignment to challenge the ruling party’s grip on power.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja after a marathon meeting involving top leaders from multiple opposition parties, civil society groups, and prominent political stakeholders. The coalition, which has been in quiet negotiations for months, declared that the decision was aimed at consolidating resources, avoiding the pitfalls of fragmented opposition votes, and presenting a formidable front in 2027.

Sources at the meeting confirmed that prominent opposition parties involved in the coalition include factions from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), among others. While the full list of participating parties has yet to be officially published, insiders revealed that several influential politicians who contested the 2023 presidential elections are backing the move.

Speaking at the event, interim spokesperson for the coalition, Mr. Yakubu Lawal, described the adoption of the ADC as “a historic step toward rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship, insecurity, and political stagnation.” He noted that rather than creating a new political party—which would face registration hurdles and legal challenges—the coalition resolved to utilize the already registered ADC as the vehicle for its political aspirations.

Perhaps the most surprising element of Tuesday’s announcement was the naming of David Mark, a seasoned politician and two-time Senate President, as the National Chairman of the ADC under the new coalition arrangement. Mark, known for his pragmatic approach and experience in legislative affairs, is widely respected across political divides.

In his acceptance speech, Mark vowed to lead the ADC and the broader coalition with integrity, inclusivity, and a vision focused on national unity and good governance.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads,” Mark said. “The time has come for all men and women of goodwill to come together and put an end to leadership failures that have brought untold hardship to our people. I am honored to serve in this capacity, and I promise to steer this coalition with fairness and a commitment to democratic ideals.”

Political analysts believe Mark’s emergence as chairman could give the coalition much-needed credibility and cohesion, particularly given his reputation for brokering political deals and his deep connections across Nigeria’s political spectrum.

Observers say the opposition’s decision to unite under a single party may significantly alter Nigeria’s 2027 political calculations. In 2023, opposition votes were split among several parties and candidates, which many believe played into the ruling party’s victory at both federal and state levels.

Dr. Bimpe Adeyemi, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos, noted:

“This move is strategic. The opposition realizes that fragmentation is a losing formula in a country with such a large and diverse electorate. Rallying under one banner, with a respected figure like David Mark at the helm, could give them a real shot at the presidency and at gaining more seats in the National Assembly.”