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INEC declines recognition of ADC’s David Mark-Led committee 

MouthpieceNGR

A new leadership crisis has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to acknowledge the party’s recently formed caretaker committee headed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Although the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had passed a resolution to dissolve the existing National Working Committee (NWC) and install an interim leadership, INEC has insisted that the current executives remain legally recognised.

A check on INEC’s official website on Tuesday still listed Ralph Okey Nwosu as the National Chairman of the ADC. Other top officials retained in the record include Said Baba Abdullahi (National Secretary), Cavin Alagoa (National Treasurer), Ifeyimwa Ntima (National Financial Secretary), and Ujunwa L. Onwuasoeze (National Legal Adviser). The party’s headquarters at “No 1 Capital Plaza, Nyanyan-Kuru Road, Abuja” and its official contact remain unchanged.

The leadership dispute intensified in July 2025 after the ADC announced a caretaker committee following the resignation of Nwosu and other members of the executive. The newly announced leadership structure includes:

  • David Mark – Caretaker Chairman
  • Rauf Aregbesola – National Secretary
  • Bolaji Abdullahi – Interim National Publicity Secretary

Additionally, six Deputy National Chairmen were appointed to represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

At the ADC’s 99th NEC meeting, reportedly attended by INEC officials, two key motions were passed: the reinstatement of previously suspended members (excluding Ibe Kachikwu), and the dissolution of the NWC to allow for the formation of the caretaker committee.

Subsequently, David Mark’s team met with chairmen from all 36 states and the FCT in Abuja to solidify support for the new leadership and strategize ahead of the 2027 elections. The meeting also focused on enhancing coalition efforts and reorganising the party’s structure.

Despite these developments, INEC has yet to reflect any changes in its records. Responding to inquiries from The Guardian, Rotimi Lawrence, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, said: “As of now (yesterday), the old executive remains in charge.”