The Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) has updated its official website, listing former Senate President David Mark as the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (African Democratic Congress), while former Minister Rauf Aregbesola is now shown as the party’s national secretary, following recent judicial developments.
The update, observed on Thursday evening, reverses an earlier decision by the electoral commission in April when the leadership details of the party were removed from its portal amid a dispute over control of the party’s structure.
The leadership crisis within the ADC has seen competing factions laying claim to control of the party, including the Mark-led group and another faction associated with former national vice-chairman Nafiu Bala.
Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a ruling directing David Mark to return to the Federal High Court for further hearing on issues arising from the internal leadership dispute within the party.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, faulted an earlier Court of Appeal order which had instructed all parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the matter.
Following the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, the ADC leadership structure on INEC’s website was restored, now reflecting the Mark-led executive as the recognised leadership of the party.
