A formidable new political coalition, comprising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and former minister of transport, Rotimi Ameachi has officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting of party stakeholders and coalition leaders in Abuja on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As part of the restructuring within the ADC, former Senate President David Mark was appointed National Chairman, while former Minister of Interior and two-term Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, emerged as the National Secretary. The coalition, which draws prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Congress (APC), is being positioned as a “third-force evolution” aimed at challenging the dominance of Nigeria’s two major parties.
In his acceptance speech, Aregbesola delivered a passionate call for values-driven politics rooted in ideology and public service. “It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race, and party that I accept the appointment as the National Secretary of our great party,” he declared. Expressing gratitude to the party leadership and coalition members for their trust, Aregbesola emphasized that his loyalty would remain with the Nigerian people and the principles of accountable governance.
Aregbesola sharply criticized the current state of Nigeria’s political party culture, describing dominant parties as “empty shells” lacking ideological depth. “Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological clarity. They are merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country,” he said. He contrasted this with the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, which he praised as an example of a people-centered, ideology-driven party. “The ANC is not perfect, but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, and true freedom. It has character. It has soul,” he noted.
Outlining his vision for the ADC, Aregbesola vowed to transform the party into a modern political institution grounded in internal democracy, transparency, and service delivery beyond electoral cycles. “We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practiced… where young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion,” he said. He promised to ensure fair and transparent intra-party competition, empower party structures from the ward to the national level, and establish autonomous wings for key interest groups, including educators, workers, farmers, professionals, and persons with disabilities.
Aregbesola also committed to adopting international best practices from countries such as South Africa, Sweden, Chile, and Kenya, adapting them to Nigeria’s local context. “Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us,” he pledged. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he added, “This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.” He called on party members to hold him accountable and support the collective effort to rebuild the ADC and restore politics as a service to the people.
Notably, Aregbesola remains a member of the ruling APC, while Atiku is still affiliated with the PDP, and Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party. The coalition’s adoption of the ADC signals a potential disruption of Nigeria’s two-party dominance, positioning the ADC as a viable alternative platform for the 2025 political landscape.
