INEC Recognises David Mark, Aregbesola as authentic ADC Leaders
INEC Recognises David Mark, Aregbesola as authentic ADC Leaders
A lawyer representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has informed a court that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the emergence of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s authentic national chairman and national secretary, respectively.
The counsel disclosed this while speaking to journalists after a court session, referencing INEC’s position on the party’s leadership dispute. According to him, the electoral body confirmed that both men were elected during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025.
He explained that INEC’s stance aligns with the ADC’s claim that the NEC meeting was validly convened and produced the current leadership of the party.“INEC agrees with us that the party held a NEC meeting on July 29, 2025, during which Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola were elected as national chairman and national secretary of the ADC,” the lawyer said.
The counsel further revealed that INEC not only acknowledged the meeting but also confirmed its presence at the gathering. He added that the commission documented the proceedings in an official report, which has been submitted before the court as part of the evidence.
“They confirmed they attended the NEC meeting and that it produced the current leadership. They also attached their report to the court filings,” he stated.Dismissing the claims of the plaintiff, the lawyer described them as speculative and lacking evidential backing. He noted that the opposing party alleged that the leadership emerged on July 22, 2025, but failed to provide any supporting documentation.
“They have no proof for their claim. In contrast, we have documents showing that on July 4, 2025, the party notified INEC of the NEC meeting scheduled for July 29, which INEC attended and reported on,” he said.
The counsel also questioned the legal standing of the plaintiff to institute the suit, arguing that the individual is not an official of the party but merely a member.
“What is the locus of the plaintiff? He is not an official of the party but merely a member,” he argued.
Citing precedents from the Supreme Court, the lawyer maintained that issues relating to the internal affairs of political parties are not justiciable when brought by individuals, adding that courts lack the jurisdiction to entertain such matters.
The case is part of ongoing legal disputes surrounding the leadership of the ADC, with the court expected to determine the validity of the competing claims.
