POWER SHIFT IN ADC: David Mark, Aregbesola Take Helm Amid Sweeping Reforms at Landmark NEC Meeting
By Pan Afric Reporters Abuja, Nigeria| July 30, 2025
In a bold move signaling a new era for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party swore in former Senate President Senator David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Ogbenu Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Chairman and Interim Secretary, respectively, during its historic 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Senator Mark, addressing party faithful and observers, pledged to champion internal democracy, transparency, and inclusive leadership. He unveiled a progressive vision that allocates 35% of leadership roles to women and ensures significant youth participation, reserving positions for individuals under 40.
As part of a strategic overhaul, Mark also announced the establishment of a 50-member Policy Committee tasked with reviewing the ADC’s manifesto and spearheading reforms across critical sectors.
The leadership transition follows the departure of Hon. Ralph Nwosu, the party’s long-serving Chairman, who used his farewell remarks to commend the ADC’s resilience in the face of political coercion.
“ADC said no to dictatorship. We stood our ground for democracy,” Nwosu declared, referencing efforts by external forces to steer Nigeria toward a one-party system.
In a show of reconciliation, all previously expelled members with the exception of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu were reinstated. The NEC also voted to dissolve the former National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT), granting full operational authority to the new leadership until fresh congresses are conducted.
The meeting was officially observed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), underscoring the legitimacy of the proceedings and signaling a potential resurgence for the ADC in the national political landscape.
With seasoned leaders at the helm and a renewed focus on democratic ideals, the ADC appears poised to reposition itself as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political arena.
