The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official website to recognise the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that comes amid ongoing legal battles over the party’s leadership. The update, noticed around 9:58 p.m. on Thursday, includes key officials such as 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. This development follows a landmark ruling by Nigeria’s Supreme Court, which overturned a previous decision by the Court of Appeal that had instructed all parties in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo. The apex court’s unanimous judgment directed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for the hearing of the substantive suit.
Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, who delivered the judgment, affirmed that the lower court had acted correctly in requiring the defendants to show cause why an ex parte application should not be granted. The legal tussle began when Nafiu Bala Gombe, an aggrieved party member, filed a suit challenging the appointment of David Mark as ADC national chairman. Gombe sought to prevent Mark’s faction from operating as the party’s legitimate leadership. In response to an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, INEC had previously removed the Mark-led executive from its official portal, stating it would not recognise any factional leadership during the ongoing litigation.
However, the latest update to the INEC website signals a reversal or at least a shift in position, as the commission now lists the Mark-led ADC leadership despite the legal case still being pending. This move has sparked discussions within political circles, as INEC’s recognition of a faction during an active legal dispute is seen by some as a departure from its usual stance of neutrality. The commission’s decision may influence how other political parties and stakeholders view the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC.
The Supreme Court’s intervention has effectively reset the legal process, sending the matter back to the Federal High Court for further proceedings. This means that the dispute over who legitimately represents the ADC leadership will continue to be resolved through the judiciary, rather than through administrative or political pressure. As the case progresses, the ADC’s internal dynamics and its ability to function as a cohesive political entity remain under scrutiny.
The recognition by INEC could also have implications for the party’s participation in future elections, as electoral bodies often rely on official lists to validate party structures. For now, the Mark-led NWC remains listed on INEC’s portal, while the legal battle continues. This development underscores the complex interplay between electoral administration and judicial processes in Nigeria’s political landscape. The outcome of the Federal High Court proceedings will likely determine the final status of the ADC’s leadership and its standing in the coming electoral cycle.
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