The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted a viral statement claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has validated a list of the party’s state chairmen nationwide.
In a statement made available by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Sunday, ADC labelled the report as “fake news,” asserting that it was manufactured by individuals intent on causing confusion and misleading the public.
The party clarified that INEC has neither officially nor unofficially confirmed any such list. The ADC emphasised that the authority to appoint and ratify state leadership is a constitutional prerogative of the party itself.
“INEC’s role is limited to recognising the comprehensive list submitted by the party through appropriate and official channels, and as of now, no such list has been submitted”, said the party.
The ADC urged its members and stakeholders to stay calm, remain cautious, and only rely on communication from the party’s verified sources. It reminded members that the party’s strength is based on discipline and internal democracy.
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The party also urged the public to disregard the fraudulent list in circulation. The party assured that any authentic updates regarding its leadership structure would be officially announced through its proper channels.
The Port City News earlier reported that INEC recognised the new leadership of the ADC, which ended a long-standing power struggle within the opposition party.
The updated information, posted on the commission’s website, confirmed former Senate President, David Mark, as the party’s recognised National Chairman.
The newly recognised executive members also include prominent political figures like former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who is named as the National Secretary.
This change comes after months of internal conflict over who holds the legitimate leadership of the party.
