The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated its recognition of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court on the party’s lingering leadership dispute.
The development marks a significant turn in a crisis that has unsettled the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s decision came after the apex court nullified an earlier directive from the Court of Appeal, which had ordered all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo.
Acting on that now-overturned order, the electoral body had, on April 1, withdrawn recognition of the Mark-led leadership. With the latest judgment, however, INEC has restored the committee on its official portal, listing key members including Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
The Supreme Court further directed that the substantive suit challenging the legitimacy of the NWC be returned to the Federal High Court for a full hearing, effectively prolonging the legal battle over the party’s leadership.
Despite the legal reprieve, the ADC has acknowledged that the crisis is far from over. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the situation as an ongoing struggle that may take considerable time to resolve. Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, he said the party was prepared to pursue all legal avenues to secure what it believes is a just outcome.
Abdullahi likened the court victory to a single success in a broader conflict, stressing that while the party celebrates the Supreme Court’s decision, it remains focused on the larger legal contest ahead. He expressed confidence in the judiciary, noting that the party would continue to seek redress through lawful means whenever it feels aggrieved.
According to him, the matter ultimately centres on internal party leadership, which he argued should not ordinarily be subject to judicial intervention.
The ongoing turmoil has already begun to take a toll on party cohesion. In a major political fallout, a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, announced his resignation from the ADC, citing persistent internal conflicts, protracted legal disputes, and uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership.
Abejide, who represents Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, said his decision was driven by the need to safeguard his political future. He accused elements within the party of deliberately frustrating his ambitions and undermining efforts to resolve the leadership crisis.
He revealed that he had initiated legal action against key figures within the party, including David Mark and others, in a bid to clarify the leadership structure. However, he alleged that repeated delays and legal manoeuvres by opposing parties stalled the proceedings, even as the electoral timetable for 2027 began to take shape.
According to the lawmaker, the prolonged uncertainty created a risk to his eligibility, particularly regarding the validity of nomination processes requiring duly recognised party officials. On the advice of his legal team, he opted to seek an alternative political platform, though he did not disclose his next destination.
Abejide also alleged that the crisis reflected a broader agenda to sideline long-standing party members who had contributed to building the ADC. He maintained that his departure was necessary to continue pursuing his political goals in a more stable environment, adding that he remains committed to advancing his constituency’s interests.
