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.

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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.

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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.

Peter Obi, 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has advocated for a five-year single term for President in Nigeria.

Obi stated this in Bauchi on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

According to him, there shouldn’t be any second tenure for president, adding that instead of the four-year tenure, it should be five years as practiced in South Korea.

“I’ve said it and I want to say it again in this government house that if I have the opportunity, we should stop having a second tenure for president.

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“It should be five years straight, so that people can come in knowingly they have a job to do.

“What people do now is to be president for one year and use the rest of the years thinking about their next tenure. We must stop it, let’s face the real job, do your own and go,” he suggested.

The 2027 presidential hopeful insisted that if elected as Nigerian president in 2027, he would only serve for one term, promising that he won’t spend a day longer than four years in office.

He added that if given the opportunity to serve Nigeria, he would ensure that every political party functions properly.

READ ALSO:Return To PDP, Bauchi Gov Tells Peter Obi

Obi said he would ensure that political parties were bigger than the elected officials.

“I want the party to be bigger than the president and the governors so that we can have orderliness,” he said.

Responding, the Bauchi state governor called on Obi to come back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the party as where he belongs.

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“We want you to come back to PDP. Please come back because that is where you belong.

“We want you to be in PDP. There are plans, desires, and strategies,” he said.

Mohammed further said that politics in Nigeria could not be done with ego, differences, and personal interest, while calling on all oppositions to harmonise their interests in the interest of Nigerians.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has reiterated the call for collaboration and a shift in the nation’s political culture, particularly if the opposition intends to wrest power from the incumbent and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obi made the assertion on Friday during an official visit to the office of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

He stated, “Your Excellency, let me continue to thank you for your warm reception and cordial relationship. I came to Bauchi to visit two schools of nursing, but beyond that, I came to meet my brother so we can talk about the problems of the people and how to solve them together.”

According to him, “To all of us in the opposition, it’s important that we work together. It’s no longer about us — it’s about our country. Our politics must change. It must be the politics of development, competence, capacity, and compassion.”

He stressed that working together is not about serving oneself but working for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians, saying that, “when we work together, things will be good and get better for the future.”

READ ALSO:Return To PDP, Bauchi Gov Tells Peter Obi

In his response, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, openly invited the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the opposition must unite to rescue Nigeria from the current administration’s failings.

Bala Mohammed commended the former Anambra State governor for what he described as a “new brand of politics” centred on constructive engagement, people-focused governance, and oversight.

According to him, “Your Excellency, my brother, we are really delighted by the new lease of life you bring to Nigerian politics,” the governor said in the presence of journalists, stakeholders, and members of Obi’s Obidient movement.”

He commended Peter Obi’s legacy in health and education and acknowledged his past performance as a two-term governor and the clarity of his vision for Nigeria and Nigerians.

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Bala Mohammed stressed that, “You have spoken on two critical areas — health and education. We know your passion and what you did in Anambra State. This is the kind of insight and roadmap we need for Nigeria.”

He reiterated that leadership must go beyond seasonal politics and lip service, insisting that Nigerian politicians must demonstrate knowledge, empathy, and planning.

“Politics is not about sharing rice during Sallah or Christmas. It is about understanding where the shoe pinches and acting accordingly,” the governor added.

Bala Mohammed further stressed the need for the opposition to come together, warning that disunity only serves the interests of the ruling party.

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According to him, “Nigerian politics cannot be done with ego, differences, or personal interests. The opposition — PDP, ADC, SDP, LP — must come together. We must harmonise our interests in the interest of the people of Nigeria.”

He stressed that the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration is failing to address the country’s pressing economic and social problems.

“There is no budget, no plan — everything is about politics. We must come together to confront this Goliath and take Nigeria to the promised land with strategy and compassion,” he said.

He stressed that, “I told you earlier, and I’m saying it again publicly — we want you to come back to PDP. That’s where you belong. Don’t go anywhere else.”

Bala Mohammed assured Peter Obi of his support and called for a collaborative effort to present a united front that can challenge the ruling party and provide a better future for Nigerians.