ABUJA: Barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC recognized the leadership of former Senate President David Mark in the African Democratic Congress ADC, a Federal High Court has restrained him, former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and others from parading themselves as members of the party’s national executive.
The order which copies were sighted on Thursday effectively nullified INEC’s earlier acknowledgment of the Mark-led group, deepening the leadership crisis within the ADC.
INEC has on its website on Wednesday, recognized Sen. Mark as National Chairman of the party, while Aregbesola was listed as National Secretary.
Others include Dr Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as National Treasurer; Akibu Dalhatu, as National Financial Secretary; and former Edo State governor, Prof. Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor, as the National Legal Adviser.
In its reaction, the party described the judgment as a vindication of its position on the legitimacy of its leadership and a major step toward restoring what it called the “authentic glory” of the ADC.
The party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Dr Christopher Okechukwu, said the court decision would pave the way for stability in the ADC.
He also announced plans for a nationwide membership registration drive, assuring that the process would soon be seamless and accessible to Nigerians across all walks of life.
Okechukwu urged coalition partners and supporters to rally behind Hon. Nafiu Bala, whom the party recognizes as its National Chairman, stressing that collective effort was vital to building a stronger and more inclusive political future.
