By Toba Owojaiye
Abuja, Nigeria
In a dramatic yet calculated political move, former Senate President, Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a definitive shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated June 27, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Ward 1 Chairman in Otukpo, Benue State, Senator Mark declared his immediate withdrawal from the party, citing deepening internal divisions and an irreparable leadership crisis as his reasons for leaving.
“Recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule,” he wrote.
Mark, who served as Senate President for two consecutive terms (2007–2015) and is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, noted that despite remaining loyal to the PDP through its toughest moments, including the mass exodus after the 2015 presidential loss, he could no longer ignore the party’s decline.
“Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing,” he stated. “I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party… but it is now time to move on.”
Mark’s resignation clears the path for his emergence as Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political platform newly adopted by Nigeria’s main opposition coalition seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The coalition, which includes opposition heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, had earlier announced its decision to adopt the ADC as its common vehicle. Mark’s leadership is seen as a stabilizing force for the movement, which hopes to unify the fragmented opposition landscape.
Sources confirmed to Truth Live News that Mark’s appointment, along with former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Interim Secretary and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary, will be officially unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja.
“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy,” Mark declared.
Known for his calm demeanor and disciplined approach to leadership, Senator Mark’s reputation for integrity and institutional memory has already boosted public perception of the coalition’s seriousness.
As a former military officer, minister, and a key architect of legislative stability during his eight-year tenure as Senate President, Mark offers both the gravitas and the unifying appeal needed to steer the newly adopted ADC through a volatile political terrain.
Analysts see his exit from the PDP as a major blow to the party, particularly in Benue and the North-Central zone, where his influence remains deeply rooted.
“With David Mark stepping into this new role, the opposition just got a lot more credible and organized,” said Abuja-based political analyst Hassan Musa. “This could be the most coherent alternative we’ve seen since 2015.”
As Nigeria inches toward another critical election cycle, the formation of this new coalition and the elevation of figures like David Mark to leadership positions, signals a rising determination among opposition actors to reclaim political relevance.
Whether the coalition can remain united, mobilize grassroots support, and offer a convincing alternative to the electorate remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the days of a disjointed opposition may be coming to an end.
The battle for 2027 has officially begun.