The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday officially recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending months of internal restructuring and leadership uncertainty within the party.
With this recognition, the new team is expected to commence nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation as the ADC positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s formal endorsement came after weeks of delays caused by improper documentation submitted by the party’s executives. The updated records now reflect Senator David Mark as National Chairman, with former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, serving as National Secretary.
Other recognised officers include Dr. Ibrahim Mani (National Treasurer), Akibu Dalhatu (National Financial Secretary), and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor (National Legal Adviser).
The leadership transition began on July 2, when outgoing National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced the appointment of Mark and Aregbesola in interim capacities. Nwosu explained that the previous leadership voluntarily stepped aside to allow for fresh direction.
Until INEC’s recognition, the commission still listed Nwosu and Said Abdullahi as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, alongside other former officers.
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ADC Backs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
In a related development, the ADC has called for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, whose six-month suspension from the Senate has expired.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described her continued obstruction from resuming legislative duties as a violation of democratic principles and an assault on gender inclusion.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Abdullahi stated.
The party condemned the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension, describing it as excessive punishment. It also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for refusing to process her return, insisting that the Clerk’s role is administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the ADC warned.
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Highlighting that Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC said the matter goes beyond the fate of one lawmaker.
“Any action that resembles gendered intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Abdullahi added.
The party stressed that the refusal to allow her return undermines democracy, warning that what is at stake is “not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy itself.”
