Nigeria’s electoral body has quietly reset the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), putting Senator David Mark back at the centre of the party’s command.
A fresh update on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website now lists Mark as National Chairman, alongside former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary—marking a significant reversal from earlier in April when both names were removed.
The restored list also includes key National Working Committee members such as Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser. The changes signal INEC’s compliance with a new legal reality following intervention by the Supreme Court.
The controversy traces back to a Court of Appeal directive that forced INEC to temporarily strip the Mark-led leadership from its official records. That move sparked protests from his supporters and drew criticism across opposition circles, deepening an already tense internal party dispute.
The tide turned on Thursday when the Supreme Court nullified the appellate court’s ruling, declaring that the order to maintain the previous status quo had outlived its legal relevance. According to the apex court, continuing that directive after proceedings had concluded was both unnecessary and without basis.
In addition to overturning the earlier judgment, the court upheld the appeal filed by Mark’s faction. It also instructed that the substantive case brought by party member Nafiu Bala Gombe at the Federal High Court be expedited and resolved strictly on its merits.
For the Mark-led camp, the development is being framed as a victory for due process and a step toward stabilising the party’s leadership structure. However, the broader legal battle is far from over.
Despite the reinstatement, the core dispute over the legitimacy of the ADC leadership remains active in court. The pending Federal High Court case is expected to determine the final authority within the party, leaving room for further political and legal twists in the months ahead.
