The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official database, restoring Senator David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and reinstating other key members of the party’s National Working Committee.
A review of the commission’s website confirms the revised leadership structure, with Mark listed as chairman and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary. Also returned to their positions are Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
Earlier in April, INEC had removed their names from its website in compliance with a directive from the Court of Appeal, a move that sparked protests from the Mark-aligned faction and drew criticism from opposition voices.
The dispute arose from a prolonged legal battle over the legitimacy of Mark’s leadership and the broader command structure of the ADC.
However, in a significant development on Thursday, the Supreme Court nullified the appellate court’s earlier ruling. It held that the order to maintain the status quo ante bellum could not stand once the relevant proceedings had concluded, describing its continuation as unnecessary and lacking legal basis.
The apex court also upheld the appeal filed by the Mark-led faction and directed that the substantive suit brought by aggrieved party member Nafiu Bala Gombe at the Federal High Court be heard expeditiously and determined on its merits.
The Mark-led faction has welcomed the reinstatement as a clear victory for due process and internal party stability.
Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention, however, the core lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the party’s leadership remains pending before the Federal High Court.
