The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated Senator David Mark as the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee.
Checks on INEC’s official website on Thursday evening, confirmed the updated leadership list, which includes former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as national secretary.
Also listed are Mani Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser.
The commission had earlier removed their names from its portal in April, in compliance with a Court of Appeal directive, a move that triggered protests from the Mark-led faction and other opposition figures.
The development followed a legal dispute over the leadership of the ADC and the recognition of Mark as national chairman.
However, the Supreme Court on Thursday, voided the Court of Appeal order, ruling that the directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum could not continue after the matter had been determined.
The court described the order as unnecessary and legally unsustainable.
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The apex court 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 restoration is being hailed by the Mark-led faction as a significant victory for due process and internal party stability.
Despite the ruling, the core suit challenging the legitimacy of the party’s leadership remains pending before the Federal High Court.
