By Peter Dansu The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it is yet to formally recognize Senator David Mark a...
By Peter Dansu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it is yet to formally recognize Senator David Mark and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the new leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to findings, the delay is not due to any political opposition but rather procedural lapses on the part of the party. Key among them is the failure of the new ADC leadership to submit the official report of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which ratified their emergence.
INEC sources also disclosed that the Commission has not received specimen signatures of Senator Mark, who was named interim National Chairman, and Ogbeni Aregbesola, the new National Secretary.
To further complicate the situation, the immediate past chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, has continued to correspond with INEC as though he still holds office, despite the party’s notification of a leadership change.
“The Commission has no problem with ADC at all,” one source told The Nation. “We only need the party to comply with minor but vital guidelines. Until the NEC report and specimen signatures are submitted, and the issue of dual correspondence resolved, we cannot issue formal recognition.”
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, met with an ADC delegation, including Bolaji Abdullahi and Ralph Nwosu, on Tuesday. He reportedly briefed them on the procedural requirements that must be completed before recognition can be granted.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed the development, noting that discussions with the party were cordial.
Senator David Mark, a former Senate President and retired Brigadier General, alongside Aregbesola, was announced as part of the new ADC leadership on July 1, in what many observers see as a realignment of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
Their emergence followed moves by prominent politicians—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and others—who are reportedly rallying around ADC as a possible platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, not all ADC members are on board. The party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, and its House of Representatives member from Kogi, Leke Abejide, have rejected the development, describing it as an illegal takeover.
Kachikwu, in particular, criticized the involvement of old political figures, accusing them of being part of Nigeria’s leadership problems for decades.
For now, INEC insists recognition of the new ADC leaders is only a matter of compliance with set procedures, stressing that once the party meets the requirements, an official statement will be issued.
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