The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised its official website to recognise the David Mark‑led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The update, observed at approximately 21:58 GMT on Thursday, lists David Mark as national chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as national legal adviser.
The change follows a recent Supreme Court decision that overturned a Court of Appeal order which had required the competing factions to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the ongoing ADC leadership dispute. In a unanimous ruling, the apex court directed the parties to return to the Federal High Court for a hearing on the substantive suit. Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, delivering the judgment, affirmed that the lower court was justified in asking the defendants to show cause why an ex parte application should not be granted.
The legal battle originated when party member Nafiu Bala Gombe filed a suit contesting David Mark’s emergence as ADC national chairman and seeking an injunction to prevent Mark’s faction from exercising party leadership. An earlier Court of Appeal judgment prompted INEC to remove the Mark‑led executive from its portal, stating that the commission would not recognise any faction until the dispute was resolved.
The latest INEC update suggests a shift in the commission’s stance, as it now displays the Mark‑led NWC on its official platform while the case proceeds before the Federal High Court. The move has implications for the ADC’s participation in forthcoming elections, as INEC’s recognition determines which faction can field candidates and access electoral resources.
Observers note that the Supreme Court’s directive to revisit the Federal High Court underscores the complexity of internal party disputes and the judiciary’s role in adjudicating them. Until the substantive suit is finally determined, the ADC’s leadership structure remains contested, and INEC’s listings may be subject to further revision.
Stakeholders, including party members and electoral officials, will be closely monitoring the Federal High Court proceedings, which are expected to provide a definitive resolution on the rightful leadership of the African Democratic Congress.
