INEC reinstates Mark as ADC chairman after Supreme Court ruling

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reinstated David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, following a Supreme Court ruling that nullified an earlier directive affecting the party’s leadership.

Checks on the commission’s website on Thursday night showed updated records listing Mr Mark as chairman, alongside former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

Also reinstated are Dr Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

INEC had removed the officials’ names from its portal earlier in April in compliance with an order of the Court of Appeal Nigeria, a move that drew protests from the Mark-led faction and some opposition figures.

The dispute stems from a protracted legal battle over the leadership of the party. However, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, voided the appellate court’s directive.

The apex court held that the order to maintain the status quo ante bellum could not subsist after the determination of the relevant proceedings, describing its continuation as unnecessary and legally unsustainable.

It also upheld the appeal filed by the Mark-led faction and directed that the substantive suit instituted by aggrieved party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, at the Federal High Court be heard expeditiously on its merits.

The development has been welcomed by the Mark-led camp as a significant boost for due process and internal stability within the party.

However, despite the reinstatement, the core legal challenge to the party’s leadership remains pending before the Federal High Court.