INEC Removes David Mark-Led ADC Leadership From Portal Amid Ongoing Party Crisis in Nigeria
INEC removes ADC leadership from its portal and suspends recognition of factions as court battle between David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe continues.
ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a decisive step in the protracted leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), removing the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark from its official digital portal.
The commission said its action followed a careful review of a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, as well as ongoing proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC disclosed that it has been managing rival claims to the party’s leadership from two opposing factions—one aligned with former Senate President David Mark and the other loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe.
According to the commission, the Gombe faction had urged it to enforce the appellate court’s ruling in a manner that would effectively displace the Mark-led leadership. However, the opposing camp argued that no recognition should be accorded to Gombe pending the final determination of the substantive suit.
The crisis within the ADC dates back to July 2025, when the party’s former executives stepped down, leading to the emergence of a new leadership structure under Mark. Gombe, who previously served as Vice National Chairman, subsequently challenged the arrangement, claiming he was constitutionally positioned to assume leadership.
In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by the Mark faction and directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—that is, to revert to the situation that existed before the dispute—pending the outcome of the case before the lower court.
INEC stated that, in compliance with the court’s directive, it convened an internal review meeting on March 31, 2026, after which it resolved to strictly adhere to the ruling.
“The Commission will maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from taking any action that could prejudice the ongoing proceedings before the Federal High Court,” the electoral body said.
As part of this position, INEC confirmed that it has neither recognised Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman nor retained the Mark-led NWC on its records, effectively placing both factions in a state of non-recognition pending judicial resolution.
The commission further announced the suspension of all formal engagements with the party’s rival groups. This includes halting participation in, or monitoring of, congresses, conventions, and any official activities organised by either faction.
INEC explained that the earlier listing of the Mark-led leadership on its portal occurred after litigation had already commenced—an action it now considers inconsistent with the subsisting court directive.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality, the commission urged members and stakeholders of the ADC to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine due process or escalate tensions within the party.
The electoral body also stressed the importance of allowing the judicial process to run its full course, especially as political parties begin early preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The substantive suit over the ADC leadership remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a final determination is expected to bring clarity to the party’s internal crisis.