INEC Restores David Mark-Led ADC Leadership on Website After Supreme Court Ruling

Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has restored the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark on its official website, following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court.

A check of INEC’s portal showed that Mark has been reinstated as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, alongside other key members of the party’s National Working Committee.

Also listed is former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, with other officials including Mani Ibrahim Ahmad (National Treasurer), Akibu Dalhatu (National Financial Secretary), and Oserheimen Osunbor (National Legal Adviser) reinstated.

The update comes shortly after the Supreme Court of Nigeria set aside aspects of an earlier Court of Appeal ruling that had directed parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

Also Read: Supreme Court Restores David Mark-Led ADC Leadership, Clears Path for 2027 Polls

INEC had previously removed the names of the Mark-led executive from its website in compliance with that appellate court order, declining to recognise any faction pending the resolution of the legal dispute.

However, in a unanimous judgment, the apex court ruled that the directive to maintain the status quo could not stand, describing it as legally unsustainable once the matter had progressed. The court further directed that the substantive case be returned to the Federal High Court for determination on its merits.

The leadership tussle within the ADC stems from competing claims between the Mark-led faction and a rival group led by party chieftain Nafiu Bala, who had challenged the legitimacy of the current leadership in court.

With the Supreme Court’s intervention, INEC’s latest move effectively restores recognition of the Mark-led structure, though the underlying legal dispute over the party’s leadership remains unresolved at the trial court.

Political observers say the development marks a significant turning point in the ADC crisis, potentially stabilising the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as the final outcome now rests with the Federal High Court.