From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on its official portal, formally recognizing former Senate President, David Mark, as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary of the party following a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court.
The development, announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the ADC National Media Frontiers, marks a significant turning point in the prolonged leadership tussle within the opposition party and signals a renewed phase of stability and institutional legitimacy for the ADC.
According to the statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC National Media Frontiers, Muhammed MJG GKAF, INEC’s action came immediately after the apex court delivered its judgment affirming the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure.
The statement described the restoration as “a major victory for democracy, internal party stability, and the rule of law,” noting that the latest development further consolidates the credibility of the ADC as a growing political force ahead of future national political engagements.
“With this update on the INEC portal, Senator David Mark is now officially recognized as the National Chairman of ADC, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stands affirmed as the National Secretary of the party,” the statement read.
The party urged members, supporters, and stakeholders across Nigeria and in the diaspora to verify the update through INEC’s official political parties portal, which now reflects the restored leadership structure.
The restoration follows the Supreme Court’s decision earlier on Thursday in the protracted leadership dispute that had generated uncertainty within the party in recent months.
In its unanimous judgment, the apex court affirmed the leadership headed by David Mark and directed parties in the dispute to return to the Federal High Court for the continuation of proceedings on substantive issues surrounding the crisis.
The Supreme Court also faulted aspects of earlier proceedings at the Court of Appeal, particularly the issuance of preservatory orders directing parties to maintain status quo ante bellum.
The apex court held that while the appellate court possesses powers to issue preservative orders in deserving situations, such an order was unnecessary in the circumstances of the ADC dispute.
The court further ruled that the failure of the appellants to obtain the mandatory leave of the Federal High Court before approaching the Court of Appeal was fatal to their case.
Political observers say INEC’s swift compliance with the Supreme Court judgment demonstrates the electoral commission’s commitment to constitutional order, judicial authority, and political neutrality.
Party loyalists and supporters across various states reportedly celebrated the development, describing it as the triumph of justice, legality, and party unity over factional politics.
The ADC leadership, in the statement, called on all members to remain calm, united, and focused as the party intensifies efforts toward national political engagement and organizational rebuilding.
“We call on all members to remain calm, focused, and united as the party continues its forward march toward building a better Nigeria,” the statement added.
The leadership also congratulated party faithful worldwide for their steadfastness throughout the legal and political battle, assuring them that the ADC would continue to pursue democratic ideals and national development.
