Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), naming former senate president David Mark as interim national chairman.

The updated list of party executives, published on INEC’s website on Wednesday, follows a restructuring exercise aimed at repositioning the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also listed were former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, former Edo governor Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser, Ibrahim Mani as national treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary.

The recognition comes after a coalition of opposition groups adopted the ADC in July as their political platform for the next elections. The alliance said its goal is to “rescue Nigeria” and restore confidence in democratic governance.

Mark, addressing the development, said the coalition was not just seeking political power but working to “rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.”

“The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people,” he said.He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government of undermining democratic institutions in the past two years, warning of what he called a “creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship.”

The ADC, registered in 2006, has previously fielded presidential and governorship candidates but has struggled to gain a national foothold. With the latest coalition backing, it is positioning itself as the main opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 polls.