After several months of dithering, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, bringing months of internal wrangling within the party to an end.
The recognition, published on INEC’s official website on Wednesday, confirmed Mark as National Chairman of the party and former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary.
Other national officers listed include Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as Legal Adviser.
The announcement marks a decisive shift in the party’s leadership crisis, which had dragged for months following the exit of long-serving National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
INEC had earlier withheld recognition of the new executive, citing incomplete documentation. Among the missing requirements were the report of the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting ratifying the new officers, as well as specimen signatures of both Mark and Aregbesola.
The commission also noted that correspondence from the ADC was still being signed by Nwosu at the time, further complicating matters.
But after a recent meeting between the party and INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the pending documents were submitted, paving the way for Wednesday’s formal recognition.
The confirmation of the Mark-led leadership by INEC has now been reflected in the commission’s official register of political parties and is seen as crucial for the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Party stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for the ADC.
With David Mark at the helm, analysts say the party could play a more visible role in Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.
