The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn it’s recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), headed by former Senate President David Mark, thereby shutting down all administrative and political processes within the party until the courts resolve the dispute.
The electoral umpire consequently removed the entire national leadership of ADC from its official communication and records, effectively crippling the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision taken on Wednesday, made INEC remove the names of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), including those aligned with David Mark, from its portal.
According to the Commission, the action was necessary to restore the status quo that existed before the leadership dispute escalated into a legal battle, as pronounced by the court.
INEC further declared that it will not recognise any group or faction claiming authority over the party, effectively shutting down all administrative and political processes within the ADC until the courts resolve the dispute.
The crisis was bred by a prolonged leadership tussle between a group of members of the party loyal to David Mark and those supporting Nafiu Bala Gombe, who are both laying claim to the party’s top position.
Despite pressure from Gombe’s camp to be recognised as acting national chairman, INEC refused, insisting that doing so would violate existing court orders and interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings.
The Court of Appeal had earlier ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and avoid actions that could undermine the case before the Federal High Court, while also granting accelerated hearing due to the electoral timetable.
INEC emphasised that its latest action is aimed at preserving the integrity of the judicial process, even as it warned that no meetings, congresses, or conventions conducted by any faction of the ADC will be recognised.
The umpire also reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, stressing that all stakeholders must allow the courts to determine the rightful leadership of the party.
Several ADC leaders including Mark, Sen. Dino Melaye among others had pointed at a letter of resignation from both the national leadership of ADC and resignation from the party by Nafiu, wondering who is pushing him to destroy the party and why INEC should listen to a man who is by law no longer a member of ADC, having resigned from the party.
