Wednesday September 10, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Wednesday, September 10, officially recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
This development followed a period of internal restructuring within the party, which culminated in the emergence of new national officers aimed at repositioning the ADC ahead of future electoral contests.
Alongside Mark, other principal officers now officially acknowledged by INEC include Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
This formal recognition is especially pertinent given recent discussions around the ADC’s role in a potential grand coalition of opposition parties. Earlier reports indicated that the ADC had been formally adopted by Political Opposition at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, as a vehicle to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The legitimacy granted by INEC, now with a clearly recognized EXCO including prominent figures like Senator David B. Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will undoubtedly bolster the ADC’s position within any such alliance, making it a more credible and stable partner.
With INEC’s endorsement, the ADC can now proceed with its strategic plans with full legal standing. This includes, but is not limited to, internal party administration, candidate selection processes, and engagement with other political entities for coalition-building efforts. The certainty of leadership ensures that the party’s decisions and actions, now overseen by its recognized National Chairman Senator David B. Mark and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will be officially recognized by the electoral umpire, fostering greater confidence among its members and potential allies.
With this formal endorsement, the ADC leadership is expected to commence a nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation effort, as the party seeks to strengthen its presence across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.