Why INEC Restores David Mark as ADC National Chairman

• Independent National Electoral Commission has reinstated David Mark and other members of the African Democratic Congress National Working Committee on its official records.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored Senator David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee.

A review of INEC’s official portal on Thursday confirmed the reinstatement of Mark as chairman and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary.

Other officials restored include Dr. Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The commission had earlier removed their names in compliance with a Court of Appeal order, a decision that triggered protests from the Mark-led faction and several opposition figures. The dispute centred on the recognition of the party’s leadership structure.

However, the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday nullified the appellate court’s directive, ruling that the order to maintain the status quo could no longer stand after the relevant proceedings had been concluded.

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The apex court also directed that the substantive suit challenging the leadership be heard expeditiously at the Federal High Court.

The development has been welcomed by the Mark-led faction as a significant victory for due process and internal party stability, although the main legal challenge over the ADC leadership remains pending before the court.