INEC Updates Portal, Formally Recognises David Mark as ADC Chairman After Supreme Court Ruling

The Independent National Electoral Commission has updated its official portal to reflect David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress — formally recognising the Mark-led faction as the party’s legitimate leadership following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The update appeared on INEC’s website on Thursday, April 30, ending months of ambiguity during which the commission had declined to recognise either of the two factions fighting over the party’s top positions.

What INEC’s Portal Now Shows

In addition to Mark and Aregbesola, the portal now lists Dr Mani Ibrahim Ahmed as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Prof Oserheimhen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser — all members of the Mark-aligned executive.

INEC had previously frozen recognition of any ADC leadership, citing conflicting court orders that left it unable to act without risking contempt. At the height of the crisis, the commission said it would “be guided strictly by the law and valid court pronouncements” — and held that position until the Supreme Court clarified the matter.

The Legal Battle Behind the Portal Update

The ADC leadership dispute pitted Mark’s faction against a rival group led by Nafiu Bala. As both factions obtained conflicting court orders, INEC found itself caught in the middle — unable to recognise either side without potentially defying a court.

The Court of Appeal had issued a “status quo” directive that further complicated things. The Supreme Court eventually struck that down, ruling the appellate order unwarranted since the substantive matter had already been struck out. With that obstacle cleared, INEC moved to update its records in line with the direction the courts had left things.

Why It Matters for 2027

The ADC is no longer a minor party. Since the Ibadan opposition summit, it has become the gathering point for a multi-party coalition that includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other 2027 presidential hopefuls. With Mark now formally seated as chairman and INEC’s recognition restored, the party has a clear leadership structure ahead of the 2027 election cycle — including the upcoming by-elections and primary timetable.

The Attorney-General of the Federation has separately backed a court bid to deregister the ADC and four other parties over failure to win elected seats. That hearing is set for May 5 — which means the party that just got its INEC recognition restored may face an existential legal threat within the week.

Sources: Daily Trust, Punch Newspapers, The Will News, The Whistler