The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet approved the appointments of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) interim Chairman and Secretary, a source close to the commission has revealed.
Despite Mark and Aregbesola assuming their new roles nearly two weeks ago, INEC continues to recognise Ralph Nwosu as the national chairman of the ADC, with Alhaji Said Baba Abdullahi still listed as the national secretary on its official records.
Other officials from the Nwosu-led leadership remain listed on the commission’s website.
Ralph Nwosu had announced his resignation as ADC National Chairman during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, handing over leadership to Senator David Mark. However, this transition has been met with resistance and legal disputes within the party, with the Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, contesting the legality of the process and claiming the position for himself.
“As of today, Ralph Nwosu remains the Chairman of ADC recognised by the Commission,” an informed INEC official told The Nation on Friday.
Reports also indicate that a planned petition against the Mark-led takeover was abandoned following the move by INEC not to recognise the new leadership.
It is also understood that the legitimacy of the NEC meeting that endorsed Mark’s leadership is under scrutiny as several statutory members, including Hon. Leke Abejide, the only current federal lawmaker on the ADC platform and a key NEC member, were reportedly neither informed nor invited, in breach of party constitutional requirements.
