INEC Affirms Mark, Aregbesola As ADC Chairman, Secretary… Okays Abdullahi Too

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially recognised a former President of the Senate, David Mark, as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Commission also recognised a former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary.

The information, which was posted on INEC’s portal and gleaned by THE WHISTLER on Wednesday, has put to rest a long drawn controversy over the leadership of the party.

THE WHISTLER had previously reported that a former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, had vehemently kicked against the Mark-led leadership, describing it as “a group of hooligans.”

Bala, who, a few weeks ago, declared himself the authentic National Chairman of the ADC, had vowed to challenge Mark and others in court.

Reacting to the INEC recognition of the party’s leadership, Bala insisted that he remained the ADC chairman.

Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone on Wednesday, Bala said he was aware of INEC’s recognition of the Mark-led leadership and that his position on the matter has not changed.

“I am not aware that INEC has recognised Mark or anyone as the the chairman of the ADC. Like I said it earlier, I am the authentic chairman and nothing has changed,” Bala said.

Other members of the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) recognised by INEC are Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi (National Publicity Secretary), Mani Ibrahim Ahmad
(National Treasurer), Akibu Dalhatu (National Financial Secretary), and Prof Oserheimen Osunbor (National Legal Adviser) among others.

The old National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC, led by Chief Ralph Nwosu had on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 officially dissolved itself.

The action signaled the effective hand-over of the party’s structure at the national level to the David Mark-led interim national leadership.

The dissolution followed a motion moved by the ADC’s erstwhile National Organising Secretary, Ibrahim Suleiman. It was seconded by Mr Charles Omidiji, a member from Osun State.

The change in leadership baton was the highlight of the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The NEC meeting, which was monitored by INEC officials, was the last to be convened by the Nwosu-led leadership, and the first by the Mark-led leadership.

INEC Affirms Mark, Aregbesola As ADC Chairman, Secretary… Okays Abdullahi Too is first published on The Whistler Newspaper