The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to recognise the reported change of leadership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), nearly two weeks after former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, were announced as “interim” Chairman and Secretary of the party.

 

As of 5:20 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, INEC’s official records still listed Ralph Nwosu as the ADC’s national chairman and Alhaji Said Baba Abdullahi as national secretary. Other members of the Nwosu-led executive — including Kelvin Alagoa (National Treasurer), Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ntima (National Financial Secretary), and Barr. Ujunwa L. Onwuasoeze (National Legal Adviser) — also remain on the Commission’s website, indicating no formal recognition of the David Mark-led leadership.

 

Ralph Nwosu had publicly announced at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that he was stepping down and handing over to David Mark — a decision that has stirred internal controversy. The party’s Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, immediately rejected the move, declaring himself national chairman and describing Mark’s emergence as unconstitutional. However, recent indications suggest Bala may have backed down.

 

A source within INEC told The Nation that the Commission still officially recognises Ralph Nwosu as ADC’s chairman. The source said: “As of today, Ralph Nwosu remains the Chairman of ADC recognised by the Commission.”

 

Although a faction had initially planned to petition INEC over what they termed a “hijack” of the party, they appear to have abandoned the move.

 

Investigations also revealed that despite INEC’s attendance at the NEC meeting where Nwosu handed over to Mark, some stakeholders complained that the meeting was not properly constituted. Statutory NEC members, including Hon. Leke Abejide — ADC’s only current federal lawmaker — were allegedly not informed or invited, contrary to the party’s constitution.

 

There are also unverified claims that the David Mark-led leadership has been lobbying state party chairmen with lucrative offers to secure their support.

 

The leadership tussle leaves ADC’s future direction uncertain as the party heads towards upcoming political activities.