Why INEC is yet to recognize ADC’s new leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it is yet to formally recognize the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing lapses in documentation and procedure.

According to sources, the party has not submitted the official report of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that ratified the emergence of Senator David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as national secretary. The commission also noted that specimen signatures of both men and other key officers have not been provided, a requirement for recognition.

INEC officials disclosed that although the ADC delegation, led by Mark and Aregbesola’s team, met with INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Tuesday to resolve the matter, the party was still unable to present the necessary documents at that time. The report of the NEC meeting was said to have been forwarded on Thursday, while the public holiday on Friday further delayed processing.

Complicating matters is the continued involvement of the former ADC national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, who has allegedly been corresponding with INEC on behalf of the party despite being notified of leadership changes. This, INEC said, has created a conflict of representation and required caution until the party’s NEC decisions are formally ratified and documented.

“The issue is procedural,” one source explained. “INEC has no problem with ADC. Once the party fulfills the requirements, an official statement will be issued. The meeting with the ADC delegation was cordial and clarifying.”

Mark, a former Senate President and retired Brigadier General, was named interim chairman of the ADC on July 1, with Aregbesola as secretary, after opposition heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 candidate Peter Obi, ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi announced plans to use the ADC as a coalition platform against the ruling APC in 2027. Except for Obi, most have since severed ties with their previous parties, although Atiku is yet to formally register as an ADC member.

The transition has not been without resistance. Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and other members, including Yagba House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, have rejected the takeover, describing it as hostile and illegal. Kachikwu accused the new entrants of hypocrisy, claiming they represent the same political elite who have presided over Nigeria’s decline for decades.

“They claim to be on a rescue mission, yet these are the same people who set the house on fire and now present themselves as fire brigade,” he said.

INEC insists it will recognize the new ADC leadership once all procedural requirements are fully met.