The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday recognised Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

News Tellers report that alongside Mark and Aregbesola, other principal officers now officially acknowledged by INEC include Dr. Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The Commission had since posted the names coalition executives on its website.

With this formal endorsement, the ADC leadership is expected to commence a nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation effort, as the party seeks to strengthen its presence across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

David Mark had emerged as interim National Chairman last July at an elaborate ceremony held at Yar’Adua Conference Centre in Abuja, following the resignation of the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu.

Violence erupted on Saturday in Lagos during the planned declaration of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s former governorship candidate, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Suspected thugs, allegedly backed by security operatives, disrupted the event, attacking supporters and injuring Rhodes-Vivour’s personal photographer and aid.

Eyewitnesses report that police, accompanied by armed groups, blocked access to the planned venue for Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s ADC declaration, despite prior payment.

Rhodes-Vivour was reportedly informed that the order came “from above,” directing him to seek resolution with the Police Commissioner.

The area was heavily militarized overnight, with soldiers and DSS operatives joining the police to restrict movement.

The actions against Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s planned ADC declaration have ignited outrage among his supporters, who perceive the incident as a deliberate attempt to thwart his move.

Sources indicate that Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, was expected to attend the event.

The disruption follows reports of violence against ADC supporters in various locations across the country.

Watch the moment Rhodes Vivour’s aid was beaten as police, thugs frustrate ADC declaration:

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered 171 new political parties.

In a statement on Thursday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said that since the last update, 19 more letters of intent have been received, bringing the total to 171 as of September 3, 2025.

“Details of the latest submissions are available on our website,” the updated list has been published on the commission’s website and other official platforms,“ Olumekun said.

He added that a review committee set up by the commission had completed its assessment of the applications and submitted recommendations for final consideration.

“As earlier announced, a shortlist of pre-qualified associations is being finalised for the next stage of the registration process,” he said.

The commission urged applicants to be patient and avoid practices that could delay their approval.

“We appeal to associations to remain patient as we conclude the process.

Frequent changes to logos, acronyms, and addresses, or multiple applications by one association, only cause delays.

In some cases, interim leaders have defected to other associations or existing parties, further slowing the process,” Olumekun warned.