The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official records to reflect the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as recognised by the Supreme Court. The revision, posted on INEC’s website on Thursday, lists former Senate President David Mark and his faction as the party’s legitimate national executives.
The change follows a Supreme Court ruling that set aside a lower‑court order which had frozen the party’s leadership structure pending the outcome of an internal dispute. The apex court’s judgment cleared the way for INEC to recognise the Mark‑led executives, ending a period of uncertainty that began when rival factions contested the ADC’s leadership.
Key developments:
- Supreme Court decision – Earlier this month the Court vacated the injunction that had prevented the recognition of the Mark faction, allowing the electoral body to act on the new directives.
- INEC’s compliance – The commission’s website now shows the David Mark‑led leadership as the official national officers of the ADC, replacing the interim arrangement that had been in place.
- Legal challenge – The Mark faction had pursued the matter through the courts after attempts were made to install an alternative leadership team within the party.
The ADC, a minor opposition party, has been embroiled in an internal power struggle since early 2024. The dispute centered on the legitimacy of a leadership transition announced by a rival group, which many members and legal observers argued violated the party’s constitution. The Mark faction sought judicial intervention, arguing that the alternative leadership lacked proper internal approval.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on 15 April, affirmed that the incumbent leadership under David Mark remained lawfully elected and that the lower‑court order halting its recognition was unlawful. By overturning the injunction, the Court effectively restored the status quo ante and mandated that INEC update its records accordingly.
With the electoral commission’s latest update, the ADC’s national leadership is now officially documented, eliminating the administrative ambiguity that had hampered the party’s operations and public engagements. Analysts note that the resolution may enable the ADC to refocus on its political agenda ahead of upcoming elections, while also underscoring the role of the judiciary in settling intra‑party disputes.
The update marks the conclusion of a weeks‑long legal and administrative battle, and INEC’s compliance demonstrates adherence to the Supreme Court’s authority in matters of party governance. Future developments are expected to centre on the ADC’s preparation for forthcoming electoral contests.
