GistReel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official portal to recognise former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as key leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The change marks a fresh turn in the prolonged leadership dispute within the party.
INEC’s portal now reflects Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Other officials listed include Dr Mani Ibrahim Ahmed as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Prof Oserheimhen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
This update appeared on Thursday, coming weeks after the commission withheld recognition of any faction due to ongoing legal battles.
The latest move follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which nullified an earlier directive that had effectively frozen the party’s leadership structure.
During the height of the crisis, INEC had refused to acknowledge any leadership group within the ADC. The commission cited existing court orders and emphasised its commitment to neutrality until there was clear judicial guidance.
The dispute originated from a fierce internal struggle between the faction led by Mark and another group headed by Nafiu Bala.
Conflicting rulings from lower courts, alongside a “status quo” order from the Court of Appeal, deepened the uncertainty.
Faced with the risk of contempt, INEC chose to suspend recognition of all factions until the courts provided clarity.
However, the Supreme Court later set aside the appellate court’s directive, describing it as inappropriate since the substantive case had already been dismissed.
The court held that such interim orders could not stand without an active matter before it.
Although the apex court did not deliver a final verdict on the leadership tussle, it referred the case back to the Federal High Court for determination.
This means the underlying dispute within the ADC remains unsettled despite INEC’s latest administrative decision.
Reacting to the development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed support for the recognition of Mark’s leadership but warned that the broader political contest is far from over.
