Abuja, Nigeria — In a recent statement today, September 6, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) elaborated on the reasons behind its delay in formally recognising the newly constituted leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark as National Chairman and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
What INEC Had to Say
INEC, through its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu—via his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi—explained that the ADC had not yet met all statutory requirements needed for the leadership change to be validly recognised. While INEC did not specify the exact documents missing, insiders revealed that the Commission is awaiting sample signatures of the new officers, along with documentation aligning with the ADC’s internal constitution—such as properly formatted resolutions and verified ballots or records.
ADC’s Response: Administrative Oversight
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the delay as “largely administrative.” He confirmed that the party submitted what was required to INEC last Thursday and expressed confidence that completion of the process would resolve the issue swiftly:
“We have had clarity now, and we made the required submission to INEC last Thursday. We are hopeful everything will be resolved in the coming week.”
This positions the delay as a procedural hiccup—albeit one that momentarily stalls formal recognition of the new leadership.
Why This Matters
The ADC has become a focal point in the national political landscape, attracting interest as a possible coalition platform for opposition forces aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Delays in leadership recognition may therefore hinder its organizational momentum and logistical preparations during this critical pre-election period.
Key Takeaways:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| INEC’s position | Awaiting complete documentation—especially signature specimens—and adherence to regulations before recognition. |
| ADC’s stance | Delay deemed administrative; necessary documents submitted; confident of swift resolution. |
| Political significance | ADC’s emerging role in opposition coalition raises urgency for recognition to sustain campaign momentum. |
Final Word
INEC’s explanation clears the air: this is not a politically motivated delay, but one rooted in formal procedural requirements. With the ADC already having submitted the needed documentation, all eyes are on the coming days to see if INEC updates its registry and portal. According to the party, the path to recognition is clear—once all formalities are met, INEC is expected to affirm the new leadership without further delay
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