Politics

ADC: Why INEC has not recognised David Mark, others

Published

4 months ago

August 9, 2025

THE 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 Ekwutos 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

BREAKING: Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke Joins Accord Party

Published

15 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

In the letter, Adeleke attributed his exit to the crisis at the national level.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced his defection to a new political party.

Adeleke recently resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal crises within the party.

According to a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde, in Ede North Local Government Area, the governor formally withdrew from the party on November 4, 2025.

In the letter, Adeleke attributed his exit to the crisis at the national level.

“Due to the current crisis within the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party with immediate effect,” the letter read.

Adeleke, who rose to political prominence through the PDP, expressed gratitude for the role the party played in his political journey.

“I thank the People’s Democratic Party for the opportunities given to me for my elections as a Senator (Represented Osun West) and as Governor of Osun State under the People’s Democratic Party,” he stated.

In an announcement on Tuesday evening monitored by SaharaReporters, Adeleke unveiled his new political platform as the Accord Party.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported indications that he would join the Accord Party, citing sources familiar with developments in the state.

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Politics

State House of Assembly suspends Local Govt chairman

Published

16 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

State House of Assembly suspends LG chairman

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Lafia Local Government, Mohammad Haliru Arabo, for three months over his role in the unlawful removal of the council’s Speaker.

The decision was taken during plenary in Lafia after a motion was raised by Musa Ibrahim Abubakar, who leads the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Lawmakers agreed that the action was needed to allow a fair investigation and calm the tension that followed the leadership dispute in the council.

The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, said the suspension will stand until the committee completes its findings.

He said that the current structure of the Lafia Legislative Arm will remain unchanged throughout the investigation.

During this period, the Deputy Chairman of Lafia Local Government, Uba Arikiya, has been directed to take charge of the council.

The Speaker explained that the House acted within the powers given to it by the constitution and questioned why the Chairman ventured into matters that belong to the legislature.

The Clerk of the House has been asked to notify Governor Abdullahi Sule of the resolution.

Lawmakers such as Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, Suleiman Yakubu Azara, and Larry Ven-Bawa backed the move, saying that the suspension would help prevent a wider crisis in the council and send a clear message to other local governments in the state.