By Deborah Nnamdi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved to strike the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively, amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party.
The Commission also stated it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to assume the position of national chairman through legal action.
In a decisive response to the dispute and a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, INEC announced on Wednesday that it would cease recognition of all factions and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by the contending groups, pending the determination of the substantive case before the Federal High Court.
The decision was contained in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who reiterated the Commission’s commitment to neutrality and impartiality. He also urged political actors to avoid actions capable of undermining preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC disclosed that it had received multiple legal correspondences from parties involved in the dispute, including a cautionary notice from the law firm of Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, warning against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman, and a “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, urging the Commission to delist Mark and Aregbesola.
The crisis escalated following conflicting demands from the legal representatives of the rival factions, especially after the appellate court dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and issued preservatory orders directing all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
Quoting the court, INEC noted that the order was necessary to protect the integrity of the judicial process and prevent any action that could prejudice the outcome of the case before the trial court.
Providing background to the dispute, the Commission explained that the faction led by Mark claimed legitimacy after the resignation of the Ralph Okey Nwosu-led executive in July 2025. However, Gombe, who identified himself as the only remaining National Vice Chairman, rejected the claim, insisting he never resigned and should have automatically assumed leadership.
Gombe subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, seeking to restrain the Mark-led group from acting as party leaders or engaging with INEC in that capacity.
At a meeting held on Tuesday, INEC resolved to maintain the status quo as directed by the Court of Appeal, based on the leadership structure that existed before the suit was filed.
The Commission clarified that since the names of the Mark-led National Working Committee were uploaded to its portal on September 9, 2025—seven days after the institution of the suit—they would be removed in compliance with the court’s directive.
INEC further announced that it would suspend all dealings with any faction of the ADC, including refusing to receive correspondence or monitor party activities, until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the matter.
