Politics

ADC: Why INEC Has Not Recognised David Mark, Others

Published

5 months ago

August 9, 2025

Reason has emerged why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to accord recognition to the interim National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark.

Investigations revealed that the erstwhile National Chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, in a letter dated July 29, 2025, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, informed him of resolutions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ADC held on the same date, “which empowers NEC to exercise the powers and perform all the functions of the National Convention pending the next National Convention.”

The NEC at that meeting effected changes in its leadership and informed the INEC so.

The letter to INEC, it was learnt, listed the names of 44 new national officers of the party. Listed among them by Ralph Nwosu were Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Dr Mani Ibrahim, as National Chairman, National Secretary and National Treasurer, respectively.

Checks by Saturday Tribune on the INEC website, however, revealed that the commission still lists Ralph Nwosu, Alhaji Sai’d Baba Abdullahi and Mr Cavin Alagoa as National Chairman, National Secretary, and National Treasurer of the ADC, respectively. The website also lists Mrs Ifeyinwa Ntima as National Financial Secretary.

A source within INEC who spoke with Saturday Tribune in confidence explained why the electoral umpire was yet to accord official recognition to the David Mark-led interim leadership despite the formal notification by the party.

The source, who acknowledged receipt of the letter written by Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Sai’d Baba Abdullahi, the immediate past National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, noted that the commission was yet to recognise Senator Mark and Aregbesola as the new National Chairman and Secretary because the letter dated July 29, 2025, was not properly written.

The source said: “The letter only listed 44 names of new national officers without their signatures. It is proper that we have in our custody specimens of their signatures. That’s when we would act on their letter.”

Asked if the commission was reluctant to accept the new leadership due to the ongoing tussle within the party, the INEC source dismissed the insinuation.

“No, we have nothing against the process. In fact, we were present and monitored the process where those resolutions were taken,” the source added.

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.