The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it has not yet recognised the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark.
According to INEC, the delay is due to the party’s failure to submit key documents required for official recognition. These include the report of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that ratified the emergence of the new leadership, as well as the specimen signatures of Senator David Mark and the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Without these documents, INEC said it cannot validate or process the leadership change.
The commission also raised concerns that former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has continued to correspond with INEC in an official capacity, despite the party notifying the commission that there was a change of leadership. As of now, INEC’s official records still list Nwosu and his team as the recognised executive of the ADC.
INEC dismissed claims of bias, stressing that its position is based purely on administrative requirements. Officials said the commission monitored the transition process but will only act once it receives the complete documentation from the ADC in accordance with electoral guidelines.