Ralph Nwosu, the founding national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described the party as currently undergoing a transitional phase, adding that former Senate President David Mark has the leadership qualities required to steer the party forward.
There were widespread reports on Saturday morning suggesting that Mark had been appointed as the party's interim national chairman.
However, when contacted by TheCable, Nwosu declined to either confirm or deny the claim, noting instead that an official announcement would be made in the coming days.
“ADC has been going through a transition for the past 18 months. Our goal is to rebuild the party into a platform where patriots and Nigerians of high moral standing can believe it’s not business as usual. We aim to assemble individuals of integrity to lead the country in a new direction,” Nwosu said.
Having led the ADC since its formation, Nwosu praised Mark’s background and experience, emphasizing that the party needs his type of leadership to stabilize and prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“Senator David Mark has served this country in various capacities and demonstrated strong leadership and patriotism. That’s the kind of leadership we believe the country needs right now,” he stated.
He stressed that the party’s transformation was not driven by ethnicity or regional considerations, but by a desire to promote national unity and integrity.
“To instill stability, discipline, and focus within the party, no one is more qualified than David Mark—should he accept the task. This is about Nigeria, not about zones or tribes. He embodies the kind of values we hope to bring to the political space,” he said.
“David Mark represents the kind of patriotic example we want to showcase. Nigerians will get more clarity on this by next week.”
ADC National Secretary Baba Abdullahi also refrained from confirming or denying the reported appointment, saying, “It’s not a speculative issue, but let’s wait until everything is properly presented.”
David Mark, a retired military officer and former president of the Nigerian Senate (2007–2015), is currently a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has not publicly resigned from the party.
Moves Toward a Coalition
In recent months, opposition figures have intensified consultations aimed at forming a unified political front that could challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Among the notable politicians engaged in coalition talks are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In May, TheCable reported that the ADC was being considered as the likely platform for this opposition alliance heading into the 2027 elections.
