The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has seen a resurgence in its political prospects for the 2027 general elections following a decisive administrative update by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission has officially updated its portal to recognise the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of David Mark, signalling a potential end to a protracted period of internal instability.
The revision, which was reflected on the commission’s website as of late Thursday evening, follows a landmark intervention by the Supreme Court. Alongside Mr Mark, the commission now recognises a distinguished front bench including Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
This administrative shift follows mere hours after the Supreme Court set aside a previous Court of Appeal ruling. The lower court had formerly ordered all parties involved in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum, a directive that had effectively left the party in a state of institutional paralysis.
In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the Apex Court directed the disputing factions to return to the Federal High Court for the adjudication of the substantive suit. Justice Garba maintained that the lower court had acted within its remit by requiring the defendants to show cause as to why an ex parte application should not be granted.
The internal friction reached a crescendo when an aggrieved member, Nafiu Bala Gombe, initiated legal proceedings challenging the emergence of David Mark as the National Chairman. Mr Gombe had sought judicial intervention to restrain the Mark-led faction from exercising the prerogatives of party leadership.
Consequent to the initial appellate ruling, INEC had removed the Mark-led executive from its digital portal, citing a policy of non-recognition towards any factional leadership whilst litigation remained active. However, the latest update indicates a significant pivot by the electoral umpire, reinstating the Mark-led committee’s visibility as the legal process continues.
The reinstatement of the NWC on the official regulatory platform has provided a much-needed fillip to the party’s rank and file. Political analysts suggest that should the ADC successfully “put its house in order” and resolve the underlying grievances currently before the Federal High Court, it may yet emerge as a formidable contender in the 2027 electoral cycle.
For the time being, the recognition by INEC serves as a critical lifeline for the party, ensuring that its administrative machinery remains functional as the substantive legal challenge proceeds.
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