A leadership crisis has intensified within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused to recognize a new caretaker committee led by former Senate President David Mark. The electoral body has maintained that the party’s former national executive committee, headed by Ralph Okey Nwosu, remains in charge.
The controversy centers on two opposing factions: a new interim leadership unveiled in July 2025 and the party’s state chairmen, who have publicly denounced the Mark-led group.
INEC’s official portal has not been updated to reflect the change, still listing Ralph Okey Nwosu as National Chairman. The portal also retains the party’s old national secretariat address and contact information, signaling that INEC does not recognize the recent leadership changes.
In a statement to The Guardian, INEC Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Lawrence, confirmed the commission’s position, stating, “The old exco is still in charge as of today.”
State Chairmen Condemn “Political Coup”
In a separate development, ADC state chairmen have issued a strong joint statement condemning the Mark-led group. Signed by forum leader Elias Adokwu and Publicity Secretary Godwin Alaku, the statement described the new leadership as an “orchestrated political coup” and a “blatant and reckless subversion” of democratic principles.
The chairmen accused the coalition of attempting to hijack the party through “unconstitutional means” and “backdoor dealings.” They rejected the group’s claims of ideological realignment, labeling them a “civilian junta” operating outside the boundaries of legality.
“The ADC is not for sale, not for hijack, and certainly not a dumping ground for discredited power brokers,” the statement declared.
The chairmen further urged INEC to reject any attempt to legitimize what they called an “illegitimate junta” and called on Nigerians and law enforcement to investigate the matter.
Nwosu’s Chairmanship Backed by Founding APGA Leader
Meanwhile, Dr. Chekwas Okorie, the founding chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has supported INEC’s decision to retain Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu as ADC national chairman. Okorie, who founded the ADC with Nwosu in 2005, explained that while an understanding was reached between Nwosu and the new leaders, it had yet to be formalized through a national convention.
“On paper, he remained chairman and INEC, either as a result of their own negligence or ignorance, continues to work with him up to now,” Okorie stated, noting that Nwosu had served as chairman for over two decades without a court order or INEC objection terminating his tenure.
