A newly formed opposition coalition has tapped former Senate President David Mark to lead its charge to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The announcement came during the coalition’s unveiling at Abuja’s Yar’Adua Centre, where prominent opposition figures gathered to solidify their alliance.
Ralph Nwosu, founding chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), revealed the coalition’s leadership structure, with Mark as chairman and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. “We all decided to resign so that Mark can paddle this canoe and get us to the Villa,” Nwosu declared.
The ADC leader painted a dire picture of Nigeria’s current state, describing the nation as “in ICU” with lives being lost daily. He urged supporters to rally behind the new leadership: “My job will not end until we sing the national anthem in the Villa. That will be the real hope.”
Nwosu praised Aregbesola as “a man of unparalleled service record” and issued a stern warning to potential dissenters: “Anybody who says anything against what we’ve done today is not ADC member. We shouldn’t be apologetic.”
The event drew heavyweight opposition figures including 2023 PDP presidential candidate and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and x-Imo governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Nwosu framed the coalition as Nigeria’s last hope, urging members to “take Nigeria from the ICU to global reckoning because we can!” The gathering marks the most organized opposition challenge to Tinubu’s reelection bid yet, bringing together estranged APC members and longtime opposition stalwarts under one banner.
With Mark – a two-term Senate President with extensive political networks – at the helm and Aregbesola’s grassroots mobilization skills, the coalition appears positioned to mount a serious challenge. However, analysts caution that maintaining unity among such diverse political figures may prove challenging in the long road to 2027.
“We need to be ready for this battle. More will come, but the way we are we will surmount them,” Nwosu concluded.
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