The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court that nullified an earlier directive affecting the party’s leadership structure.
Checks on INEC’s official website late Thursday confirmed the update, with David Mark listed as chairman. Also reinstated is former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who resumes his role as the party’s National Secretary.
Other members of the ADC’s National Working Committee restored to the commission’s records 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, in April, removed the names of the Mark-led leadership from its portal in compliance with a Court of Appeal order. That decision triggered protests from the affected faction and drew criticism from opposition figures, amid a deepening leadership dispute within the party.
The controversy stemmed from a legal battle over the recognition of David Mark as ADC National Chairman and the broader composition of the party’s leadership.
However, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, the Supreme Court voided the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum. The apex court held that such an order could not lawfully subsist after the relevant proceedings had been concluded, describing its continuation as unnecessary and legally unsustainable.
The court also upheld the appeal filed by the Mark-led faction and directed that the substantive suit instituted by aggrieved party chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe at the Federal High Court be heard expeditiously on its merits.
The reinstatement has been hailed by supporters of the Mark-led faction as a significant victory for due process and internal party stability.
Despite the development, the legal contest over the ADC leadership is not yet fully resolved. The substantive case challenging the legitimacy of the current leadership remains pending before the Federal High Court, leaving room for further judicial determination.