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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified why it is yet to formally recognise Senator David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary.
According to the Commission, the ADC has not fully complied with the statutory requirements for leadership change, rendering all official documents and communications signed by Mark and Aregbesola invalid until due process is completed.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the party leadership was informed of the outstanding issues during a recent visit to the Commission.
“Ask ADC if they have truly complied with all the requirements. They visited the Commission recently, and we told them what the problem was. They are aware. Please get in touch with Bolaji Abdullahi, their spokesperson, who was part of the delegation. He ought to have briefed journalists about their visit and what transpired,” Oyekanmi said.
While INEC did not disclose the specific requirements yet to be met, sources revealed that the party must provide sample signatures of the new officers and other documentation consistent with its constitution.
Regulations also mandate that political parties submit detailed resolutions, verified signatures, and evidence of adherence to constitutional procedures before any leadership changes are ratified.
On the possible impact on ADC candidates in upcoming elections, Oyekanmi expressed optimism that the party would comply in due course.
“I believe the party will comply with extant rules. Once they do, they won’t have any problem,” he added.
Reacting, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the delay as “largely administrative,” confirming that the party had submitted the required documents to INEC last Thursday.
“We have had clarity now, and we made the required submission to INEC last Thursday. We are hopeful that everything will be resolved in the coming week,” he said.
The ADC has recently attracted national attention as opposition leaders consider it a platform for building a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
