The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made changes to its official website, now recognizing the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by David Mark. The update, which took place around 9:58 p.m. on Thursday, also includes Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as national legal adviser.
This development comes shortly after the Supreme Court nullified a Court of Appeal decision that had required parties involved in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum. In a unanimous verdict, the apex court instructed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for the substantive case to be heard. Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, delivering the judgment, affirmed that the lower court was correct in asking the defendants to show cause why the ex parte application should not be granted.
The controversy began when Nafiu Bala Gombe, an aggrieved member, filed a lawsuit challenging Mark’s emergence as ADC national chairman and sought a court order to prevent his faction from acting as the party’s leadership. Following a prior ruling by the Appeal Court, INEC had removed the Mark-led executive from its portal, stating it would not recognize any faction. However, the latest update indicates a change in stance, as the commission now lists the Mark-led ADC while the legal proceedings continue.