The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially recognized former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, following a Supreme Court ruling that set aside aspects of earlier judgments in the party’s protracted leadership dispute.
The move comes as the ADC reels from high-profile defections. Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso both left the party on Sunday to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, dealing a blow to ADC’s plans to anchor an opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
Long legal battle
The ADC has been locked in a leadership tussle since early 2026, with multiple factions filing competing legal challenges. The Court of Appeal had earlier ruled against certain leadership claims, forcing INEC to withdraw recognition of all factions temporarily.
That changed on April 30, when the Supreme Court set aside portions of the lower court rulings. INEC subsequently restored the Mark-led leadership, though the substantive case remains pending before a Federal High Court.
“Following the Supreme Court’s decision of April 30, the Commission has updated its records to reflect Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary,” INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun said in a statement on Friday.
Deep cracks remain
Despite INEC’s recognition, the ADC’s troubles are far from over. The main suit is still before the Federal High Court, meaning Mark’s chairmanship could yet be challenged. The leadership crisis has already fractured the party’s ranks, with Obi and Kwankwaso citing unresolved internal disputes and the risk of disqualification on “technical grounds” as reasons for their exit.
