Opposition Coalition Vows To Safeguard Nigeria’s Democracy, Says David Mark.
Former Senate President David Mark, now interim national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that a newly formed opposition coalition will prevent Nigeria from descending into a one-party state. Speaking at the coalition’s unveiling in Abuja on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, Mark described the alliance as a united front of opposition parties, youth groups, civil society, and patriots dedicated to rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from what he called a “creeping descent into civilian dictatorship” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition, which has adopted the ADC as its platform for the 2027 general elections, includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Mark accused the APC-led government of hijacking democratic institutions and destabilising opposition parties to achieve “total state capture” ahead of 2027. “Within two years of this administration, all democratic institutions have been compromised, leaving Nigerians with no real electoral choice,” he said, criticising the government for prioritising politicking over governance while citizens face hunger, poverty, and escalating insecurity.
Mark, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) citing internal divisions, stressed that the coalition’s mission transcends electoral ambitions. “This is not merely about gaining power; it is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy,” he stated at the Yar’Adua Centre, where the event was held after a last-minute venue change. He outlined the coalition’s values, including unity, transparency, inclusion, and justice, promising to transform the ADC into a “fortress of revived democracy” where all members are equal stakeholders.
The unveiling saw the ADC’s former leadership, including National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, step down to make way for Mark and former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, appointed interim national secretary. Nwosu described the move as a sacrifice for Nigeria’s future, expressing confidence in Mark’s leadership to “paddle the canoe to the Villa.” However, the coalition faces challenges, with some ADC members, including 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, rejecting the leadership changes as unconstitutional. Political analyst Okey Ikechukwu also questioned the coalition’s viability, citing ideological differences among its leaders, many of whom harbour presidential ambitions.
Mark condemned the APC for neglecting pressing issues like banditry and kidnapping, which he said have left Nigerians feeling unsafe. He also criticised the National Assembly for becoming a “mere appendage” of the executive, undermining its role as a check on power. “This coalition is for every Nigerian who believes our democracy must not die,” he urged, calling on citizens to join the “historic rescue mission” to restore hope and return power to the people.
Despite scepticism, the coalition’s formation signals a bold challenge to the APC’s dominance. With high-profile defections, including Amaechi’s resignation from the APC, and the backing of diverse political heavyweights, the ADC-led alliance aims to disrupt Nigeria’s political landscape and offer a credible alternative in 2027.
