By George Ozalla
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing renewed internal tension following the removal of the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official records on the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The update by the electoral body has intensified the ongoing leadership dispute within the party, where factions have continued to contest control and recognition. With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holding statutory authority over party documentation, changes on its portal are widely seen as significant in determining the legitimacy of party officials.
David Mark, a seasoned political figure with a long history in Nigeria’s legislative and national politics, had recently been associated with moves aimed at strengthening the party’s structure. Rauf Aregbesola, a former minister and influential figure in progressive political circles, has also been linked to shifting alliances within the opposition landscape.
Their removal from the official listing is already stirring concern among stakeholders within the party, many of whom view the development as a reflection of unresolved internal divisions.
There has been no immediate official response from either Mark or Aregbesola, though indications suggest that consultations are ongoing among key figures in the party as they consider their next line of action.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has in recent times been grappling with internal disagreements over leadership and direction, a situation that continues to draw attention to the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in maintaining and recognizing party structures in Nigeria’s political system. And observers are worried that the same crisis that affected Labour party may have shifted to ADC.
