Nigeria: ADC crisis deepens: INEC removes Mark, Aregbesola’s names amid leadership tussle

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing a major setback as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as national chairman and national secretary, respectively. This move follows a leadership crisis within the party, with multiple factions laying claim to control 

The INEC decision is based on a Court of Appeal order, which directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum (the situation as it existed before the dispute) to avoid prejudicing the substantive suit pending at the Federal High Court. 

The commission has also suspended recognition of all factions within the party and will not monitor any conventions or congresses organized by groups aligned with the affected leaders 

The removal of Mark and Aregbesola’s names from INEC’s portal is seen as a significant blow to the party’s 2027 presidential aspirations, particularly for leading aspirants like Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi.