Fear Grips Tinubu as David Mark, Aregbesola Lead New Anti-APC Coalition

In what is being interpreted as a major political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambitions, former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have emerged as interim National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — the new platform for Nigeria’s grand opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement, confirmed on Tuesday night after a closed-door strategy meeting in Abuja, cements the months-long speculation of an elite opposition alliance seeking to dislodge the All Progressives Congress (APC) and challenge Tinubu’s hold on power.

The emerging coalition is composed of heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi. Their convergence under the ADC banner signals a rare unification of rival political camps previously thought irreconcilable.

Aregbesola, once a close ally of Tinubu, set the tone for the coalition’s direction in his acceptance speech. He said the ADC under his leadership will be rooted in ideological clarity, not personality cults or opportunism.

“The party must be grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centred struggle,” Aregbesola declared. “Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.”

Drawing inspiration from the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, he criticised Nigerian political parties as “empty shells” driven by power grabs rather than national interest. He vowed to build a party that prioritises internal democracy, equity, and development-driven governance.

Analysts say the inclusion of David Mark, a respected statesman known for cross-party appeal, and Aregbesola, a former Tinubu loyalist turned critic, could further unsettle the presidency. Their roles are seen as strategic, capable of mobilising both the old guard and youthful demographics across regional divides.

“This is not just a political party; it’s a statement of intent,” a political analyst told Tribune Online. “For the first time, the opposition is speaking with one voice — and it has Tinubu watching carefully.”

Although the APC has yet to respond officially, insiders in the presidency are reportedly concerned about the coalition’s potential to galvanise widespread public discontent over economic hardship, insecurity, and controversial policy reforms.

As 2027 inches closer, the growing list of defectors and opposition alliances may turn the ADC into the most formidable opposition force Nigeria has seen since the fall of the PDP in 2015.

Long-time political observers say the storm is gathering  and Tinubu may be forced to reckon with former allies now turned adversaries.