The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized David Mark as the new National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Rauf Aregbesola as its National Secretary. This acknowledgment follows the party’s compliance with INEC’s updated leadership‑change guidelines, which were posted on the commission’s website on Wednesday. Earlier, INEC had rejected the ADC’s new leadership because it did not meet the required guidelines. The commission’s validation of the ADC’s leadership marks a significant development in the nation’s political landscape.
In a separate development, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu warned that the early commencement of political campaigns threatens democracy. Speaking at a roundtable on the challenges of early campaigning in Abuja, Yakubu noted that this practice violates the Electoral Act 2022, which under Section 94(1) prohibits campaigns from starting more than 150 days before polling day. He observed that parties, candidates, and supporters often engage in electioneering—such as outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and rallies—before the commission releases the official election timetable. These activities undermine INEC’s ability to monitor campaign finance, as large sums are spent without effective oversight.
Yakubu stressed that, although the commission is expected to sanction violators, the legal framework contains gaps: the Electoral Act 2022 does not prescribe penalties for breaches of the early‑campaign rule. While early campaigning is not a new issue, he called for deeper reflection on how to address it within existing legal constraints. As the National Assembly reviews electoral laws, INEC has invited the Senate and House of Representatives committees on electoral matters to consider actionable recommendations from experts. This underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen the electoral framework, ensure compliance with democratic principles, and refine the overall electoral process.
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