By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark from its official portal, escalating the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
The electoral body also announced the suspension of all engagements with any faction of the party pending the final determination of a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the Commission, its decision follows the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 involving David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, as well as conflicting legal communications from both factions over the party’s leadership.
INEC stated that it would maintain the status quo ante bellum the situation as it existed before the suit was filed on September 2, 2025 in line with the appellate court’s directive aimed at preserving the integrity of the case.
The Commission also rejected a request by the Nafiu Bala Gombe faction to be recognised as acting national chairman, warning that such action could prejudice ongoing court proceedings.
Background to the Crisis
The crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) began after the reported resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, and other executives in July 2025.
This development paved the way for the emergence of a new NWC led by David Mark. However, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who served as Vice National Chairman, contested the move, insisting he never resigned and should assume leadership in line with the party’s constitution.
Gombe subsequently approached the Federal High Court, seeking to restrain INEC from recognising Mark’s leadership and to affirm him as acting chairman.
Court Intervention
While the case was pending, Mark’s camp filed an interlocutory appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court.
However, in its judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo, cautioning against actions that could undermine the case.
The appellate court also directed an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, citing the approaching timeline for the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s Position
INEC revealed that it received separate legal communications from both factions dated March 16, 2026.
While lawyers to Mark’s camp urged the Commission not to recognise Gombe due to the pending suit, Gombe’s legal team demanded full enforcement of the appellate court ruling, including the removal of Mark’s leadership from INEC records.
After reviewing all submissions, INEC resolved to:
Remove the names of the Mark-led NWC from its portal
Maintain neutrality and refrain from recognising any faction
Suspend monitoring of any congresses, conventions, or meetings organised by the party
The Commission emphasised that these steps were necessary to avoid actions that could prejudice the court or undermine the integrity of the judicial process.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality and the rule of law, urging all political actors to avoid actions capable of destabilising the electoral system.
