The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed reports claiming that Senator David Mark stepped aside as the party’s national chairman to allow former chairman Ralph Nwosu take over leadership ahead of its national convention.
The party’s reaction followed an online publication suggesting that Mark relinquished his position amid internal disputes and mounting pressure over the party’s structure, particularly after recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The report had further alleged that Nwosu was positioned to steer the party toward its national convention and stabilise its affairs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the ADC rejected the claim, maintaining that no such leadership change had taken place.
Dismissing the report, the party National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, a tweet on Sunday urged the public to disregard the claim, describing it as fake news.
“Please note that reports circulating about a change in the leadership of the ADC are #FakeNews. Please disregard, flag, and report such content on any social media platform where you encounter it,” he tweeted.
The development comes days after INEC removed the names of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mark from its official portal. The electoral body said its action was based on a Court of Appeal judgment directing parties involved in the leadership tussle to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the resolution of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC stated that the appellate court, in its March 12, 2026 ruling, instructed all parties to refrain from actions that could affect the outcome of the case and to preserve the existing structure prior to the dispute.
The decision followed a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, with factions led by Nafiu Gombe and David Mark both laying claim to the party’s national leadership.
Despite INEC’s position, the Mark-led NWC has rejected the commission’s interpretation of the court ruling. The faction also called for the dissolution of the electoral body and insisted it would continue preparations for its planned national convention.
The party has scheduled its convention to hold in Abuja on April 14, even as the leadership dispute remains unresolved.
Credit: Vanguard News Nigeria