ABUJA, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withheld formal recognition of the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing failure to comply with procedural requirements, including the submission of a ratified National Executive Committee (NEC) report and specimen signatures of its top officers.
Sources reveal that the delay stems partly from the continued correspondence of Ralph Nwosu, the former ADC national chairman, who has remained active in official communications despite the party’s notification of a leadership change.
David Mark, a former Senate President, was announced interim national chairman on July 1, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
Their appointment followed moves by opposition heavyweights — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, and others — to adopt ADC as a coalition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
At a meeting with INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu in Abuja last week, ADC leaders were informed of “minor but vital” documentation lapses.
“As at the time the ADC team came, the party was yet to submit the report of its NEC meeting, which ratified the new leadership, to INEC,” a source said.
“We have not got specimen signatures of the new National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and other key leaders of the party.”
The party later forwarded the NEC report, but officials cited Mark’s overseas medical trip for the delay in producing his signature.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, confirmed the discussions, saying the session with ADC leaders was “cordial” and aimed at aligning the party with existing rules.
The takeover of ADC by Mark and his allies has not gone uncontested.
Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, described the development as “hostile and illegal,” accusing the new leadership of undermining party integrity.
“These men — made up of a former vice president, former governors, ministers, and political office holders — are the same people who have presided over the affairs of this nation for the past four decades,” Kachikwu said.
“Yet we are watching those who set our nation on fire now claim to be the fire brigade.”
Leke Abejide, ADC’s sole House of Representatives member, has also rejected the changes.
Despite opposition within the party, the ADC leadership insists it has complied with INEC’s demands.
Officials say recognition will be issued once procedural steps are completed.
For now, INEC continues to list Ralph Nwosu as ADC’s national chairman in its records, pending final documentation.
