ADC: Reason INEC Has Not Recognised David Mark, Others

• INEC has withheld recognition of the ADC’s interim leadership led by Senator David Mark due to missing signature specimens in the party’s notification letter
• The ADC’s National Executive Committee had appointed 44 new officers, including Mark and Aregbesola, and formally informed the commission
• Despite monitoring the leadership transition, INEC insists procedural requirements must be met before updating its records

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to officially recognise the interim National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, due to procedural lapses in the party’s notification letter.

Investigations by Saturday Tribune revealed that the delay stemmed from a letter dated 29 July 2025, written by the former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The letter conveyed the resolutions of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on the same day, which empowered the NEC to assume the functions of the National Convention pending its next sitting.

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ADC leadership changes communicated to INEC

According to the letter, the NEC effected leadership changes and formally notified INEC of the new appointments. The document listed 44 new national officers, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman, Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, and Dr Mani Ibrahim as National Treasurer.

However, checks on INEC’s official website showed that the commission still recognised Ralph Nwosu, Alhaji Sai’d Baba Abdullahi, and Mr Cavin Alagoa as the National Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer of the ADC, respectively. Mrs Ifeyinwa Ntima also remained listed as the National Financial Secretary.

Signature requirement stalls recognition

A source within INEC, who spoke to Saturday Tribune on condition of anonymity, confirmed receipt of the letter from Ralph Nwosu and Sai’d Baba Abdullahi, the immediate past National Chairman and Secretary. The source explained that the commission had not yet recognised Senator Mark and Aregbesola due to the absence of signature specimens in the submitted document.

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“The letter only listed 44 names of new national officers without their signatures. It is proper that we have in our custody specimens of their signatures. That’s when we would act on their letter,” the source stated.

INEC denies political bias in ADC leadership dispute

When asked whether the commission’s delay was linked to internal disputes within the ADC, the INEC official dismissed such claims.

“No, we have nothing against the process. In fact, we were present and monitored the process where those resolutions were taken,” the source added.

ADC raises alarm over fake state chairmen list

Legit.ng earlier reported that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised an alarm over a fake list of supposed state chairmen being shared on social media, declaring that it has not made any such appointments.

A statement by the party noted that it is unaware of any recent appointments and urged Nigerians to disregard the list making the rounds online.

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The statement posted via X and signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC and spokesperson of the opposition coalition, advised party members and the general public to rely only on verified communication from the party’s official channels.

Source: Legit.ng