The African Democratic Congress (ADC) shook the political landscape on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, as it appointed former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary during its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The landmark event, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signals a new dawn for the opposition party.
David Mark, in his inaugural address, vowed to entrench internal democracy, transparency, and inclusivity. He declared that 35% of all leadership positions would be reserved for women, while youths under 40 would be given a decisive voice in party decisions. Mark further announced the creation of a 50-member Policy Committee tasked with overhauling the party’s manifesto and introducing sector-specific reforms.
The NEC also passed a motion dissolving the former National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT), effectively transferring full administrative and strategic control to the new interim leadership until a fresh congress is convened. This move, backed unanimously, is intended to cleanse internal structures and pave the way for a modernized ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former National Chairman, Hon. Ralph Nwosu, who led the party for over a decade, gave an emotional farewell speech. He praised the party’s resilience, stating: “We refused to be bought or bullied into turning Nigeria into a one-party state. ADC stood for the soul of democracy, and history will remember that.”
Also significant was the reinstatement of previously expelled members, excluding the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu. This gesture was seen as an olive branch and a signal of the party’s readiness to move forward with unity and renewed focus.
Observers and political analysts have described the strategic positioning of Mark and Aregbesola—two heavyweights from different political backgrounds—as a masterstroke to attract credibility, structure, and grassroots energy. Many see this as the party’s boldest rebranding effort yet, poised to challenge dominant forces in Nigeria’s political arena.
With renewed momentum, policy restructuring underway, and a fresh emphasis on women and youth, the ADC’s re-emergence could redraw Nigeria’s political map. The weeks ahead may determine whether this reform translates into electoral strength—or just another headline in Nigeria’s turbulent party politics.
