The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised Senator David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The confirmation follows a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a Court of Appeal order that had previously barred Mark’s appointment.
INEC’s online portal was updated on 1 April 2026 to list Senator David Mark as ADC’s National Chairman and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary. The changes were verified by Media Talk Africa through a series of portal checks, which showed the removal of the earlier entries that had omitted both names.
The Supreme Court’s decision, delivered on 30 March 2026, declared the Court of Appeal’s injunction invalid, stating that it lacked jurisdiction to intervene in the internal affairs of a registered political party. The ruling reinstated the party’s original leadership structure, permitting INEC to amend its records accordingly.
The ADC, a minor opposition party with a modest presence in national and state legislatures, has been embroiled in a leadership dispute since early 2025. The conflict began when a faction of party members filed a petition with the Court of Appeal, alleging procedural irregularities in Mark’s election as National Chairman. The appellate court issued an interim order that temporarily barred the Electoral Commission from recognising Mark, prompting the party to operate without an officially accredited leader for several months.
Following the Supreme Court’s reversal, INEC acted swiftly to align its official register with the highest court’s directive. The updated portal now reflects Mark’s status as National Chairman and confirms Aregbesola’s role as National Secretary, positions both men have held since the party’s internal elections in December 2024.
Political analysts note that the resolution of the leadership dispute may stabilise the ADC ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 2027. A clear leadership hierarchy is expected to facilitate voter registration drives, candidate nominations, and campaign coordination across the party’s constituencies.
The Electoral Commission’s acknowledgment also underscores its adherence to judicial rulings concerning party leadership matters. INEC spokesperson, Mrs. Funmi Adeyemi, said in a statement that the commission “remains committed to upholding the decisions of the judiciary and ensuring that all registered political parties are accurately reflected in our official records.”
Further developments may arise as the ADC prepares its electoral strategy and as other parties monitor the precedent set by the Supreme Court’s intervention in internal party disputes. Media outlets will continue to track any additional updates from INEC and the ADC.
