The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has clarified its position on the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, ADC, announcing the removal of the National Working Committee, NWC, led by David Mark from its official portal.
The commission said the decision followed a detailed review of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 and the ongoing suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the party’s leadership.
INEC disclosed that it had received conflicting communications from legal representatives of both factions in the dispute — one aligned with Nafiu Bala Gombe and the other backing the David Mark-led leadership.
While one group urged the commission not to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending court case, the other demanded enforcement of the Court of Appeal judgment, including the withdrawal of recognition from the Mark-led NWC.
The crisis stems from the resignation of the ADC’s former leadership in July 2025 and the subsequent emergence of a new executive committee led by Mark. Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged the development, insisting he should assume leadership in line with the party’s constitution.
In its ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the *status quo ante bellum* pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
The court also directed accelerated hearing of the case and cautioned against actions capable of undermining the judicial process.
Following its review, INEC said it resolved at its March 31, 2026 meeting to strictly comply with the court’s directive.
“As directed by the Court of Appeal, the Commission will maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from taking any step capable of rendering the proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory,” the commission stated.
The electoral body said it declined the request to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman pending the court’s final decision.
It further announced that it would suspend all dealings with any faction of the party, including monitoring meetings, congresses, or conventions, until the court resolves the dispute.
INEC stressed that the removal of the Mark-led NWC from its portal was necessary to preserve the status quo, noting that the leadership was uploaded after the suit had already been instituted.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and strict adherence to judicial orders, urging political actors to avoid actions that could jeopardise preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The leadership tussle within the ADC remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a final determination is expected in due course.
