--- A New Chapter Unfolds: David Mark Takes the Helm of ADC Amid Political Shifts
By Goodnews Ibiang
On this vibrant Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a significant political transformation is underway in Nigeria. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has just announced a pivotal leadership change that is sending ripples across the nation’s political landscape. Former Senate President David Mark has been appointed as the interim National Chairman of the ADC, stepping into the shoes of Okey Nwosu, the party’s founding leader. This transition, marked by an official unveiling ceremony in Abuja today, signals a bold new strategy as the party gears up for the 2027 elections. A STRATEGIC MOVE WITH DEEP ROOTS
The timing couldn’t be more critical. David Mark, a seasoned statesman with an impressive 27-year tenure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently resigned from the party due to escalating internal conflicts. His departure, detailed in a resignation letter dated June 27, 2025, cited the PDP’s decline into “a shadow of its former self,” a sentiment echoed by a 2023 study from the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research. The study revealed a staggering 40% drop in PDP membership since 2015, underscoring the party’s struggles and paving the way for a realignment of political forces. Mark’s move to the ADC is not just a personal shift but a calculated step to strengthen the opposition coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). With his wealth of experience and credibility, Mark is poised to steer the ADC toward a more prominent role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. The unveiling event today, attended by party stakeholders, national executives, and media, marks the beginning of this ambitious journey. THE END OF AN ERA FOR OKEY NWOSU
For Okey Nwosu, this transition signifies the end of a remarkable era. As the founder and long-serving National Chairman since the party’s inception in 2006, Nwosu has been a cornerstone of the ADC, guiding it through its formative years and various electoral cycles. Hailing from Awka, Anambra State, Nwosu’s leadership earned him the traditional title of Ikolo Dike Orabueze Awka in 1994, reflecting his deep ties to his community. However, the ADC’s announcement linking Nwosu to Anambra has sparked some controversy. Several social media users criticized the phrasing, perceiving it as a regional bias that undermines Nwosu’s national stature. This reaction highlights a cultural sensitivity in Nigerian politics, where local identity often shapes perceptions of leadership. As noted in a 2021 *Journal of African Elections* analysis, such regional associations can both unite and divide, making this a delicate moment for the ADC as it rebrands under new leadership.
A COALITION TAKES SHAPE
This leadership change is part of a broader opposition strategy. The ADC has emerged as the adopted platform for a coalition of political forces, including former PDP stalwarts like Mark, aiming to challenge the APC in 2027. Accompanying Mark are notable figures such as Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary and Malam Bolaji Abdullahi as interim National Publicity Secretary. This coalition, formalized in recent weeks, reflects a growing momentum to consolidate opposition strength, a trend that has been brewing since the PDP’s internal fractures became public. For many, Mark’s appointment is a beacon of hope. His resignation from the PDP, after pledging to be the “last man standing” post-2015, underscores his commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s opposition. As the coalition prepares for its 2026 convention to elect a new National Working Committee, Mark’s interim role will be crucial in laying the groundwork for a united front.
WHAT LIES AHEAD?
As the unveiling ceremony unfolds in Abuja today, the political air is thick with anticipation. Will David Mark’s experience breathe new life into the ADC? Can this coalition bridge the regional and ideological divides that have long fragmented Nigeria’s opposition? The answers will unfold in the coming months, but one thing is clear: a new dawn is breaking for the ADC and, potentially, for Nigeria’s political landscape. At Afrolink Continental, we’ll be closely following this story, bringing you updates and insights as this exciting chapter develops. What are your thoughts on this leadership transition? Share your views in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
