The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a Supreme Court ruling.
Checks on the INEC website on Thursday night showed David Mark listed as national chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
Other officials reinstated include Mani Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary and Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser.
INEC had in April removed their names from its portal in compliance with a Court of Appeal directive, a move that led to protests from the Mark faction and other opposition figures.
The dispute arose from a legal battle over the recognition of Mark as national chairman and the structure of the party leadership.
The Supreme Court, however, voided the Court of Appeal order on Thursday.
It held that “the directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum could not lawfully continue after the relevant proceedings had been determined,” describing its sustenance as unnecessary and legally unsustainable.
The court also allowed the appeal filed by the Mark faction and directed that the suit filed by Nafiu Bala at the Federal High Court should proceed on its merits.
While the ruling clears the immediate issue that led to INEC’s action, the main case challenging the leadership of the party is still pending before the Federal High Court.
