The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially commenced a new chapter of leadership with the formal transfer of the party’s reins to former Senate President, David Mark, who was inaugurated as National Chairman at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.
The transition, marking the end of an era under the party’s founding National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, was accompanied by major reforms and a renewed call for national democratic rebirth.
The NEC meeting also dissolved the existing National Working Committee (NWC) and approved the formation of a caretaker committee to guide the party until its next national convention.
In his acceptance speech, David Mark declared that his leadership would be characterised by integrity, transparency, courage, and inclusivity, setting a tone of reform and grassroots empowerment.
“Today marks not just the beginning of a new NEC session, but the dawn of a new chapter in the ADC; a chapter we must write together with unity and conviction,” Mark said.
He commended the outgoing NWC for establishing a solid foundation and committed to building on their achievements by reforming internal party structures, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring the party genuinely belongs to its members. He pledged to end imposition and political elitism.
“Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra,” he stated, while pledging that 35 per cent of the party’s leadership positions would be reserved for women, and significant space created for youth under 40.
Mark also announced the creation of a 50-member policy committee that will define the party’s blueprint across key sectors including health, education, agriculture, security, and the economy. The aim, he said, is to ensure the ADC is recognised for “clear ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance,” rather than leaving the future of the party to the discretion of individual candidates.
In an emotional valedictory speech, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu reflected on his years of service, celebrating the party’s transformation from a fledgling movement into what he called “a government in waiting,” boasting over 28 Senators, more than 60 Members of the House of Representatives, and numerous state lawmakers across the country.
“ADC has grown from a small bungalow to a mansion,” he said. “In every part of this country, our party is expanding at a phenomenal pace. We have moved from winning just five seats to over 100 elected officials without a single general election.”
He revealed that some powerful forces tried to undermine the ADC-led coalition initiative by offering him three ministerial appointments, a move he rejected, describing it as a desperate attempt to weaken the unity of the opposition.
“They offered me ministerial slots—one for myself and two for people of my choice—but it was all aimed at killing the coalition. When that failed, they resorted to kidnappings and intimidation. Yet, we stood firm for Nigeria,” he stated.
Nwosu accused the ruling APC of using state funds to destabilise the coalition, including funding lodging for political saboteurs in Abuja’s most expensive hotels.
“But we said no. ADC said no. We believe Nigeria needs a viable opposition to protect its democracy from sliding into a one-party fascist state,” he said.
The 99th NEC meeting adopted two major motions. One moved by South West Zonal Vice Chairman, Idowu Rasaq, ratified the reinstatement of previously suspended members—except for Ibe Kachikwu. Another motion, raised by National Organising Secretary Suleiman Ibrahim, called for the immediate dissolution of the existing NWC and the establishment of a caretaker committee led by David Mark.
The caretaker leadership structure also named former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary, and six Deputy National Chairmen from different geopolitical zones.
Nwosu urged all party organs to unite behind the new leadership, warning that “a single bad person” in the team could undermine years of progress.
Referring to the July 2 coalition pact as a significant milestone, Nwosu stated: “Democracy is back on track with ADC.” He appealed to key national institutions—INEC, the judiciary, and the National Assembly—to perform their duties as the country progresses towards 2027.
“We have taken steps so that Nigeria’s democracy will return to the tracks. ADC is the only party that resisted efforts to silence the opposition. That’s why Nigerians are embracing us,” he said.
According to him, the ADC’s recent announcement of David Mark’s chairmanship sparked a surge in interest, with over three million Nigerians reportedly registering as paying members within one week. He said states have now requested at least two million membership cards each, indicating a rise in public support.
“There is no better reward than what Nigerians are giving us now. Our children and grandchildren can sleep well knowing that we stood up when it mattered most,” Nwosu said in conclusion.
With fresh leadership, a growing membership base, and a renewed ideological drive, the ADC said it is ready to take its place at the forefront of Nigeria’s political future.
