INEC recognises David Mark, Aregbesola as national leaders of ADC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially confirmed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recognising Senator David Mark as the party’s National Chairman and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary.

In its communication to the party, INEC also validated the appointments of other interim national officers, giving legal backing to the ADC’s new leadership structure.

Mark, a two-term Senate President and respected statesman, was unveiled as the interim chairman in July 2025 at a ceremony held at the Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu, the party’s immediate past chairman.

According to INEC, the names of David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Dr. Mani Ibrahim—who now serves as National Treasurer—have been published on its website. Also listed are Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The development effectively ends the leadership tussle that had divided the party in recent months.

PlatinumPost reports that following the emergence ADC as the coalition party ahead of the 2027 election, its former National Deputy Chairman, Nafiu Bala,  vehemently kicked against Mark as the new chairman, saying he (Bala) was the authentic acting  national chairman.

Recall  that Ralph Nwosu, in a letter to INEC dated July 29, 2025, informed Chairman Mahmood Yakubu of the resolutions reached at the ADC National Executive Committee meeting held that same day.

The letter stated that the NEC was empowered “to exercise the powers and perform all the functions of the National Convention pending the next national convention.”

Nwosu’s correspondence also contained the names of David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and 42 other national officers of the party.