BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday restored its recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This followed Thursday’s pronouncement of the Supreme Court on the leadership crisis in the party.
The apex court had vacated the Court of Appeal ‘s order of March 12,2026 directing parties in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
INEC, acting on the now quashed status quo ante bellum, withdrew recognition of the NWC on April 1.
Listed on INEC’s official portal yesterday alongside Mark as ADC NWC members are : Rauf Aregbesola -National Secretary; Mani Ahmad -National Treasurer; Akibu Dalhatu – National Financial Secretary; and Oserheimen Osunbor -National Legal Adviser.
The Supreme Court said on Thursday that the suit challenging the legality of the Mark NWC should return to the Federal High Court for proper trial.
We’re ready for long battle over ADC crisis,says Abdullahi
The party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi , acknowledged yesterday that the leadership crisis facing the party might drag on for a long time.
But he said the NWC was ready to go all the way and pursue all lawful avenues to ensure a fair hearing.
“We are cautious that this is going to be a long war, but we are ready for it, and we have demonstrated that we are capable of fighting this war, and that is what has led us to this point,” Abdullahi said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
He was responding to questions on the Thursday judgement.
He added: “When you are fighting a war, you can celebrate a battle. When you win a battle, you celebrate it well; that does not mean that the war is over.
“This particular battle, yesterday (Thursday) we won that, and we are not going to allow anybody to minimise the significance of what we have achieved. We want our members to enjoy that victory of that particular battle, but the war is still on, and we are not going to lose focus that it is a marathon, so we are going to keep fighting.
“Anyone who sat through the proceedings and listened to the justices’ submissions would acknowledge the thoroughness of their work.
“In the case that let’s go back to the high court, we are very confident that we have a very clear case, and the issue is about leadership. It is very clear and established that everything that has to do with the leadership of a political party is not justiciable.”
Abdullahi expressed the party’s confidence in the country’s legal system, stressing: “Where we find that we have been treated unfairly in accordance with the law, we are going to explore opportunities to seek redress, and we will continue to do so like we have in this case up to the highest court of the land. That is why the laws are there.
“If in court a judge rules against us and we are not happy, we go to the next level until God says it is okay because after the Supreme Court, there is no next level.”
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2026-05-03