INEC Withholds Recognition of ADC Leadership Over Non- Compliance

INEC Withholds Recognition of ADC Leadership Over Non-Compliance

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to formally recognise Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing outstanding compliance issues.

 

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed that the party is yet to fulfil key requirements necessary for leadership recognition. Until those conditions are met, he explained, all official documents and communications signed by Mark and Aregbesola remain invalid.

 

“Ask ADC if they have truly complied with all the requirements. They visited the Commission recently, and we told them what the problem was. They are aware. Please get in touch with Bolaji Abdullahi, their spokesperson, who was part of the delegation. He ought to have briefed journalists about their visit and what transpired,” Oyekanmi said.

 

Although INEC did not publicly disclose the pending requirements, sources indicated that the ADC must submit specimen signatures of its new leaders, along with other constitutional documents. Party constitutions and INEC regulations mandate that resolutions, verified signatures of authorised officials, and evidence of due process be lodged before a leadership change can be endorsed.

 

Reacting, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the delay as “largely administrative,” confirming that the party submitted the requested documents last Thursday.

“We have had clarity now, and we made the required submission to INEC last Thursday. We are hopeful that everything will be resolved in the coming week,” he said.

 

The ADC has repeatedly alleged that unnamed political actors are working behind the scenes to frustrate its growth ahead of the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle polls.