David Mark, Aregbesola Inaugurated as Interim Leaders of ADC Amid Party Reforms

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday officially inaugurated former Senate President, David Mark, as Interim National Chairman, and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as Interim National Secretary of the party.

The swearing-in ceremony took place during the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, marking a new phase for the opposition party as it prepares for strategic political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his inaugural speech, Senator Mark pledged to promote internal democracy, transparency, and inclusiveness, promising to reserve 35 per cent of leadership roles for women and to ensure meaningful participation of Nigerian youths under the age of 40 in party affairs.

“We shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges,” Mark said. “Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra.”

Mark also announced the formation of a 50-member Policy Committee tasked with reviewing the party’s manifesto and initiating reforms across key sectors of governance.

He assured members that the ADC under his leadership would become a formidable platform rooted in fairness and driven by issue-based politics.

Outgoing chairman, Ralph Nwosu, commended the party for standing firm against what he described as external pressures and monetary inducements aimed at weakening the party’s resolve.

“ADC said no to dictatorship. We stood our ground for democracy,” Nwosu declared, noting that the party resisted attempts to drag it into what he called a “one-party state agenda.”

During the meeting, a significant motion was passed to reinstate expelled members, with the exception of 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, who remains suspended.

The NEC also dissolved the former National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT), effectively handing full authority to the interim leadership pending the conduct of fresh party congresses.

Party insiders say the reshuffle is part of broader reforms to reposition the ADC as a credible opposition platform ahead of the next election cycle.