ADC Reveals When INEC Will Confirm David Mark as Chairman
The All Democratic Congress (ADC) has learnt that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to formally acknowledge its new leadership under former Senate President David Mark before the end of the week.
This confirmation was obtained by PulseNets from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, during his appearance on Big Agenda with Chuchi, a flagship programme on Prime Reporters.
“It’s Administrative, Not Political” – Abdullahi
Abdullahi told PulseNets that the matter was not political but purely administrative. According to him, INEC’s role was “not to approve leadership but to verify that due process was followed.”
He explained further, saying, “We don’t require INEC’s recognition in a political sense. The leadership of a political party is entirely the business of the party. What INEC does is to confirm that the transition process followed due process. Once that is established, acknowledgment follows, and this will be settled within the week.”
Why INEC’s Role Matters in Party Leadership Transitions
PulseNets learnt that political parties are required to notify INEC at least 21 days before convening such meetings. In turn, INEC deploys representatives to observe proceedings. After the transition, the party communicates the outcome to the commission for formal acknowledgement.
This process, Abdullahi stressed, ensures transparency and prevents leadership disputes within political parties.
David Mark and Aregbesola Take the Helm of ADC
David Mark was unveiled as the interim national chairman of the ADC in July, while former Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was named national secretary.
The inauguration of the new leadership attracted top opposition figures. PulseNets reported that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai were all present at the unveiling.
INEC’s Delay and What It Means for 2027 Elections
However, months later, INEC has yet to officially acknowledge the changes. Abdullahi insisted that the commission’s delay was procedural rather than political, assuring that recognition was imminent.
ADC as Opposition Platform Ahead of 2027 Presidential Race
The ADC has since been adopted as the coalition platform through which the opposition intends to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, a development that political observers told PulseNets could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
