Plateau ADC Chairperson Rejects Leadership Rivals to Back Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola

Hanatu Gagara reaffirms support for David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as valid ADC leaders, dismissing rival claimants as imposters in Plateau State.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 7:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

State Leadership Solidifies Support for National Executive Committee

The internal hierarchy of the African Democratic Congress has received a significant boost in Plateau State as regional leadership moved to quell rumors of a fractured party. Hanatu Gagara, the state chairperson, issued a definitive statement in Jos on Wednesday confirming that the Plateau chapter remains fully aligned with the leadership team of Senator David Mark. This declaration serves as a formal rejection of any parallel factions, emphasizing that the party’s direction is dictated by the decisions made during recent national administrative meetings.

Validation of Mark and Aregbesola Leadership Duo

Central to this reaffirmation is the recognition of Senator David Mark as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. Gagara maintained that both individuals were validly nominated by the National Executive Committee, a process she personally witnessed and participated in. By emphasizing the legitimacy of their appointment, the Plateau chairperson sought to invalidate any alternative claims to the party’s top offices, labeling those who challenge the current leadership as imposters intent on sowing disaffection among the rank and file.

Rejection of Reports Alleging State Level Dissent

Addressing recent media speculation, Gagara distanced herself and the Plateau chapter from reports suggesting that various state chairmen were withdrawing their support from Mark’s team. She clarified that as a member of the NEC, she was an active participant in the consensus that brought the current leadership to power. Gagara argued that it would be contradictory to exempt herself from a decision she helped ratify, asserting that the party’s state leaders were largely in agreement during the acceptance of the national team.