JUST IN: INEC Removes Mark, Aregbesola as ADC National Chair, Secretary

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has removed the names of former Senate President, David Mark, and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, respectively.

 

The development effectively suspends the commission’s recognition of the two politicians as national officers of the party amid a growing leadership dispute within the ADC.

However, the electoral body indicated that the action followed a court directive requiring it to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the party’s national leadership.

 

According to sources familiar with the matter, the case was filed by a party member who questioned the emergence of the current national executive and sought judicial intervention to halt the recognition of the Mark-led leadership structure.

Furthermore, the commission is understood to have resolved not to recognise any faction claiming to represent the party until the court concludes proceedings on the dispute.

An official close to the development explained that the electoral commission acted strictly within the limits of the law.

“INEC is obligated to comply with valid court orders. Until the court finally resolves the leadership question within the ADC, the commission cannot accord recognition to any group claiming to be the party’s national leadership,” the source said.

Meanwhile, political observers say the decision could complicate internal activities within the party, including conventions and other statutory meetings, as the leadership question remains unsettled.

The leadership tussle within the ADC has intensified in recent months, with rival claims emerging over the party’s national executive structure.

However, the outcome of the dispute is expected to depend on the court’s ruling, which will determine the faction that will ultimately be recognised as the legitimate leadership of the party.