••the party gives reason.
The reason behind the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delay in recognizing the interim National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President Senator David Mark, has come to light. Investigations reveal that the former National Chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, sent a letter to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu on July 29, 2025. In this letter, he informed the commission about the resolutions made by the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during a meeting held on the same date. These resolutions empowered the NEC to exercise the powers and perform all functions of the National Convention until the next National Convention takes place.
During that meeting, the NEC made changes to its leadership and communicated these changes to INEC. The letter reportedly included the names of 44 new national officers, among them Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Dr. Mani Ibrahim, who were designated as National Chairman, National Secretary, and National Treasurer, respectively.
However, a review of the INEC website by Saturday Tribune indicates that the commission still recognizes Ralph Nwosu, Alhaji Sai’d Baba Abdullahi, and Mr. Cavin Alagoa as the National Chairman, National Secretary, and National Treasurer of the ADC, respectively. The website also lists Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ntima as the National Financial Secretary.
A source within INEC, who spoke to Saturday Tribune on the condition of anonymity, explained why the electoral body has not officially recognized the David Mark-led interim leadership despite the formal notification from the party. The source confirmed receipt of the letter from Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Sai’d Baba Abdullahi, the immediate past National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. However, they noted that the commission has not recognized Senator Mark and Aregbesola as the new National Chairman and Secretary because the letter dated July 29, 2025, was inadequately prepared.
The source stated, “The letter only listed 44 names of new national officers without their signatures. It is essential for us to have specimens of their signatures on file before we can act on their letter.” When asked whether the commission’s reluctance to accept the new leadership was related to the ongoing internal disputes within the party, the INEC source dismissed such claims. “No, we have nothing against the process. In fact, we were present and monitored the process during which those resolutions were made,” the source added.
