…Internal party rift deepens amid national executive c’ttee shake-up
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) formal recognition of former Senate President David Mark as the party’s National Chairman, deepening divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dissenting group, led by former ADC Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala, dismissed INEC’s announcement naming Mark and other officials as the duly recognised National Working Committee (NWC). Speaking on Wednesday, Bala insisted that he remains the authentic leader of the party.
“I am not aware that INEC has recognised Mark or anyone as chairman of the ADC. Like I said earlier, I am the authentic chairman and nothing has changed,” Bala declared.
INEC had earlier confirmed the new leadership on its official website, listing David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary. The update also named Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary, Dr Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and former Edo State Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, as National Legal Adviser.
The confirmation followed the dissolution of the previous NWC led by Chief Ralph Nwosu at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, which was reportedly monitored by INEC officials.
Meanwhile, another bloc of the ADC welcomed the development with enthusiasm. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, posted on his X handle: “Game on!” shortly after the recognition was made public.
Nigerian NewsDirect confirmed that INEC’s website now reflects the updated leadership, listing David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Dr Mani Ibrahim in their respective roles.
Mark had earlier assumed office as interim chairman in July at a ceremony held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu. INEC’s recognition now settles months of leadership wrangling that had threatened the unity of the party.
In a letter dated 29 July 2025, Nwosu formally notified INEC of NEC resolutions empowering the body to act in place of the National Convention until the next convention. The letter included the names of Mark, Aregbesola, and 42 other national officers.
The recognition comes just weeks after the opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as its platform for the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for nationwide mobilisation. With INEC’s validation, the ADC now has a legally certified leadership to steer its preparations for the polls.