INEC Finally Recognises David Mark-Led Leadership of ADC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised Senator David B. Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing to an end the leadership tussle that had stalled the party’s operations in recent weeks.

Updated records released by INEC now list Mark, a former Senate President, as the party’s national chairman, with former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, confirmed as national secretary. Other officials recognised include Dr. Ibrahim Ahmad Mani as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser.

The commission’s recognition comes after weeks of delay linked to procedural lapses, including the party’s initial failure to submit the report of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that ratified the new executives, as well as the absence of specimen signatures from Mark and Aregbesola. Until now, INEC had continued to receive correspondence from former chairman Ralph Nwosu, further complicating the leadership transition.

With this recognition, the Mark-led team now assumes full control of the ADC, which has recently attracted a coalition of opposition heavyweights positioning the party as a platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among those linked to the coalition are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi.

The development is expected to intensify political realignments as opposition figures seek to rally under one platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.

The ADC headquarters remains at No. 4, Oyo Street, Area 2, Abuja, with official contact lines listed as 08055008888 and 08027789181.