By Abiola Olawale
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially reinstated Senator David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending weeks of legal uncertainty that had threatened to fracture the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move comes after a Supreme Court ruling on Thursday, April 30, 2026, which voided a previous Court of Appeal directive that had forced the commission to delist Mark and his National Working Committee (NWC).
The leadership crisis within the ADC reached a boiling point in early April 2026 when INEC removed Mark’s name from its portal.
This delisting complied with a “status quo” order from the Court of Appeal, stemming from a suit filed by an aggrieved party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
However, the Supreme Court described the continued enforcement of that order as “legally unsustainable.” The apex court’s decision not only restored the current leadership but also mandated that the substantive legal battle over the party’s chairmanship be heard expeditiously at the Federal High Court.
The newly updated INEC portal now lists the following key officials: National Chairman: Sen. David Mark
National Secretary: Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola National Treasurer: Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad National Legal Adviser: Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor
The development has already generated a barrage of reactions from political analysts, party loyalists, and the Nigerian public, reflecting the high stakes of internal party democracy.
Below are some of the reactions;
“INEC has restored Senator David Mark’s name on its website as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
This is a major boost for the ADC and a strong signal that truth, legitimacy, and due process are standing firm. Despite distractions and political pressure, the David Mark-led leadership remains the recognized face of the party. For ADC members nationwide, this is not just an update, it is a victory for order, unity, and the growing movement to rescue Nigeria in 2027.”(@ADC Vanguard)
“It will be fair and appropriate for supporters of the ADC to commend INEC for its swift response to the court ruling, which recognized the David Mark-led leadership. INEC has since uploaded David Mark’s NWC on its website.”(@Bashir Ahmad)
“It’s not yet uhuru. The supreme court judgement is a booby trap. ADC should allow their frontline candidates to look for a more stable platform to contest the 2027 election while the battle in court to fully reclaim the party from internal saboteurs continues.”(@Tunde Alobe)
