ADC Dismisses Claims of INEC-Endorsed State Chairmen

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has debunked claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a validated list of its state chairmen across the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, through his official X account, the party described the reports as “fake news” aimed at sowing confusion within its ranks. Abdullahi clarified that INEC has not confirmed any such list, either officially or unofficially, and urged party members to disregard the publications.

“The attention of the national leadership of the ADC has been drawn to a widely circulated statement titled ‘Coalition Update: INEC Confirms ADC State Chairmen Nationwide’. To the best of our knowledge and verification, INEC has issued no such confirmation, neither officially nor unofficially,” Abdullahi stated.

ADC Internal Processes and Due Diligence

Abdullahi stressed that the process of ratifying state leadership is an internal matter governed strictly by the ADC constitution. He further explained that INEC only recognises submissions transmitted by the party through the appropriate channels after due diligence.

He said, “As of today, no such comprehensive list has been submitted or confirmed by INEC. The commission only recognises what the party submits after due process.” The party spokesperson also advised members and stakeholders to be vigilant against misinformation that could destabilise its internal structures.

According to him, efforts are ongoing to resolve outstanding leadership issues within the ADC, and such reports are deliberately engineered to derail the reconciliation process.

Ongoing Leadership Disputes in ADC

The clarification comes amid lingering internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress. The party has been grappling with a leadership tussle since INEC recently recognised former Senate President David Mark as its national chairman.

In addition, the court has summoned Mark and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, over disputes linked to the leadership changes. Despite these developments, the African Democratic Congress has firmly denied reports that a court injunction currently restrains INEC from recognising the Mark-led faction, dismissing such stories as another wave of misinformation from what it called “desperate political jobbers.”

The party reiterated its commitment to internal democracy, discipline, and transparency, assuring members that it remains focused on strengthening its structures nationwide.