Supreme Court Affirms David Mark As ADC National Chairman, Party Demands INEC Chair’s Resignation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed a Supreme Court ruling affirming David Mark as its National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, describing the judgment as a decisive validation of its leadership structure.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the ruling confirmed that the earlier decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise the Mark-led leadership was fundamentally flawed.

According to the ADC, the unanimous decision of the five-member panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria reinforces the primacy of the rule of law and strengthens confidence in the country’s judiciary.

“The judgment is a clear and unequivocal affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership are legitimate,” the statement said, adding that it effectively puts to rest all internal disputes and uncertainties surrounding the party’s leadership.

While commending the apex court for what it described as a landmark ruling, the ADC stressed that the decision does not mark the end of its struggle to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. The party alleged that the events leading to the dispute reflected a pattern of interference aimed at weakening opposition voices.

The ADC urged its members and democratic stakeholders nationwide to remain vigilant, noting that “democracy is not defended in a single courtroom victory but sustained through active participation and resistance to any form of manipulation.”

The party also renewed its call for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the leadership dispute raise concerns about the commission’s neutrality and judgment.

It further called on INEC to immediately restore recognition of the David Mark-led leadership across its official platforms and communication channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the ADC said it would continue to position itself as a credible alternative focused on tackling insecurity, reducing the cost of living, and creating jobs for Nigerians.