INEC restores David Mark-led ADC leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday night updated its records to reinstate David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, along with other members of the party’s National Working Committee, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria that overturned an earlier directive affecting the party’s leadership.

The changes were confirmed through the commission’s official portal, where Mark’s name reappeared as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola was listed as National Secretary. Other officials also restored include Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The commission had earlier removed the names of the Mark-led leadership in April after complying with an order from the Court of Appeal, which directed parties to maintain the previous status of the leadership dispute. That move led to protests from members of the faction loyal to Mark and raised concerns among opposition figures.

The dispute began as a legal battle over who should be recognised as the party’s national chairman and the structure of its leadership. The matter moved through different courts before reaching the Supreme Court, which delivered its decision on Thursday.

In its ruling, the apex court nullified the earlier order that required the status quo to be maintained, stating that such a directive could not continue once the main issues had progressed in court. The court allowed the appeal filed by the Mark-led group and cleared the way for their recognition to be restored.

The judgment also directed that the main case filed by a party member, Nafiu Bala Gombe, at the Federal High Court should proceed without delay so that the leadership dispute can be fully resolved.

Following the update by the electoral body, members of the Mark-led camp welcomed the development, seeing it as a step toward stability within the party. However, the broader legal challenge over the party’s leadership has not been fully settled, as the case is still pending before the Federal High Court.

The latest development means the commission now recognises the Mark-led leadership for official purposes, while the final outcome of the dispute will depend on the decision of the lower court handling the main suit.