By Jane Okafor, Abuja
After momentary setback following the unanticipated cancellation of venue booking by an Abuja – based hotel, leading to coalition meeting holding behind schedule, members later gathered at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre Abuja on Wednesday evening with the founding National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), Ralph Nwosu, announcing that leaders of the party have voluntarily resigned.
Nwosu said their resignations paved way for former Senate President David Mark and the immediate past Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, to take charge and lead efforts to reposition the party and the country.
He stated this at the unveiling of the ADC as the platform for the 2027 opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his All Progressives Congress(APC) in 2027.
Davide Mark and Rauf Aregbesola were earlier announced as the interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC-backed coalition, respectively.
Nwosu stated, “We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola and others can lead us to the Villa.
“We also approved Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party. When you look at the two of them and their commitment to this country, you’ll see that this is a new beginning. They will reposition the party and Nigeria.”
Those in attendance include: former Governors Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal; Dino Melaye; Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi; Nasir El-Rufai; Abubakar Malami, immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation; John Oyegun, former Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC); Ireti Kingibe, lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra Central.
Also present are Solomon Dalung, former minister of youth and sports; Dele Momodu, a media personality; and Gabriel Suswam, former senator.