The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has re-published the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the recognised National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on its official website, following the latest developments in the party’s protracted leadership tussle.
The update, which appeared on INEC’s portal on Thursday, marks a significant reversal from the commission’s earlier decision in April to remove the duo’s names amid conflicting court orders surrounding the ADC’s national leadership structure. At the time, INEC had suspended recognition of all factions within the party, citing the need to maintain neutrality pending judicial clarification.
The latest action by the electoral umpire follows a Supreme Court ruling that reportedly set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier preservatory order directing parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the leadership dispute.
With the apex court’s intervention, INEC has now restored Mark and Aregbesola to its official records, effectively recognising the leadership team that emerged after the resignation of the former ADC executive led by Ralph Nwosu in 2025.
The ADC has been engulfed in a fierce internal crisis, with a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the legitimacy of the Mark-led National Working Committee.
The dispute triggered a series of legal battles between both camps, forcing INEC to temporarily withdraw recognition from all claimants until judicial pronouncements provided clearer direction.
Political observers say INEC’s latest update may strengthen the Mark-led faction’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as the ADC continues efforts to consolidate opposition alliances and position itself as a major challenger in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
However, legal analysts note that while the portal update signals administrative recognition, the substantive leadership dispute is yet to be fully resolved at the Federal High Court.