The Independent National Electoral Commission has moved to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, respectively, intensifying the leadership crisis within the party.
INEC also declared that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who had approached the court seeking to assume the position of national chairman.
In a decisive response to the ongoing dispute and the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, the Commission announced that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party. It also stated that it would not monitor any congresses or conventions organised by any group until the substantive case is determined by the Federal High Court.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who reaffirmed the Commission’s neutrality.
He urged political actors to avoid actions capable of disrupting preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC revealed that it received multiple legal communications from opposing factions. One was from the law firm of Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, cautioning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe, while another, from Summit Law Chambers representing Gombe, demanded the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from the Commission’s records.
The demand followed the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of an interlocutory appeal filed by David Mark and the issuance of preservatory orders directing all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
Quoting the appellate court, INEC stated: “Finally, it is necessary to make preservatory orders to ensure that the subject matter of the dispute pending before the trial court is not prejudiced as Courts have inherent powers to control and regulate proceedings to ensure justice… IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS: That the parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.”
Providing background to the dispute, INEC explained that the leadership crisis began after the David Mark-led National Working Committee claimed authority following the resignation of the Ralph Nwosu-led executive in July 2025.
However, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who identified himself as the only remaining National Vice Chairman, challenged the development, insisting he never resigned and should have automatically assumed leadership.
He subsequently filed a suit at the Federal High Court seeking to restrain the Mark faction from presenting themselves as party leaders.
Following an internal review meeting, INEC resolved to revert to the status quo that existed before September 2, 2025, when the case was instituted.
The Commission clarified that since the names of the Mark-led leadership were uploaded on September 9, 2025, after the legal dispute had already begun, they would now be removed in compliance with the court’s directive.
INEC further announced that it would suspend all official dealings with the ADC until the court delivers a final ruling.
“The Commission shall not, given the reliefs claimed in the originating summons and the pending motions, receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining the affairs of the party and will not monitor any Meeting, Congress or Convention convened on behalf of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja,” the statement concluded.
What you should know
INEC’s decision effectively freezes the leadership structure of the ADC, preventing any faction from gaining official recognition until the courts resolve the dispute.
This move underscores the Commission’s commitment to neutrality while highlighting the growing instability within smaller political parties.
The final judgment from the Federal High Court will be critical in determining the legitimate leadership of the ADC and its role in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
