The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official website to recognise the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, David Mark.
The update, observed around 9:58 p.m. on Thursday, also listed Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
The development comes hours after the Supreme Court set aside a ruling of the Court of Appeal which had directed parties involved in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
In a unanimous judgment, the apex court ordered all parties to return to the Federal High Court for the hearing of the substantive matter.
Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, who delivered the judgment, held that the appellate court acted rightly in asking the defendants to show cause why the ex parte application should not be granted.
The leadership dispute within the ADC began after an aggrieved member, Nafiu Bala Gombe, filed a suit challenging the emergence of Mark as the party’s national chairman and sought to restrain his faction from acting in that capacity.
Following an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, INEC had removed the Mark-led executive from its portal, stating that it would not recognise any faction pending the resolution of the case.
However, the latest update signals a shift in the commission’s position, as the Mark-led leadership has now been reinstated on INEC’s platform while the legal battle continues.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate