A dispute has erupted between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the party’s recent leadership change.
INEC claims the ADC has not fulfilled the requirements for formal recognition of its new leaders, while the party insists it has complied with all necessary procedures.
The controversy began after the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, along with other members of the ADC’s National Working Committee, stepped down on July 1, following the adoption of the ADC as a platform for a 2027 opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.
As part of the leadership transition, former Senate President David Mark was appointed as National Chairman, with former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola named as National Secretary. Nwosu said the handover was intended to reposition the party and the nation.
However, some party members, including the 2023 Gombe State governorship candidate Nafiu Bala, rejected the move. Bala called the transition an “assault on democracy” and declared himself interim National Chairman, accusing the former leadership of handing the party over to “outsiders.”
Despite the internal opposition, the Mark-led leadership was inaugurated on July 29 during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, with INEC officials reportedly present.
Yet, as of August 30, INEC’s website still listed Nwosu and Said Abdullahi as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, explained that the party had not met all conditions required for recognition, including submitting sample signatures of the new interim leaders.
INEC regulations mandate the submission of properly documented resolutions and verified signatures in line with the party’s constitution.
In response, ADC’s National Secretary of Membership Mobilisation, Sadiq Yar’adua, insisted the party had done its part and accused INEC of political bias.
“We’ve sent the necessary documents. If they haven’t updated their site, that’s their problem. We’re not concerned. INEC is favouring the APC by ignoring campaign violations while delaying our recognition,” he alleged.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s Publicity Secretary, stated the issue was merely administrative and had been resolved.
However, Punch investigations revealed the party made a procedural error in its communication with INEC. The report from the 99th NEC meeting was signed only by Nwosu and Abdullahi, both outgoing officials rather than jointly with the incoming leaders, Mark and Aregbesola.
An ADC insider confirmed the oversight:
“Only Nwosu and Abdullahi signed the NEC report sent to INEC. It should have included the signatures of both outgoing and incoming executives to verify authenticity.”
The insider added that while corrections have been made, bureaucratic delays are hindering final resolution. “They’ve visited INEC several times without meeting the relevant officials,” the source said.
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