The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its decision to revert to the status quo ante bellum in the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission explained that its action follows a directive by the Court of Appealin a judgment delivered on March 12, 2026. The appellate court ordered all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the situation that existed before the conflict and avoid any actions that could jeopardize the outcome of the case.
Why INEC Suspends Recognition, Removes Party Officials from Portal
The crisis within the ADC has been marked by a prolonged leadership tussle between factions loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombeand David Mark, both of whom have laid claim to the party’s national leadership.
INEC stated that, in compliance with the court order in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, it would refrain from taking any steps capable of undermining the judicial process or rendering the proceedings before the trial court ineffective.
Providing further clarification, the commission noted that although it had earlier uploaded the names of the current National Working Committee (NWC) members on September 9, 2025, the legal challenge to the leadership had already been filed on September 2, 2025—prior to the upload.
Consequently, INEC confirmed that it would remove the names of the NWC members led by Senator David Mark from its official portal in adherence to the appellate court’s directive, pending the final resolution of the matter.
The commission also rejected a request by the Bala-led faction seeking his recognition as acting national chairman, stressing that granting such recognition would violate the court’s order.
Furthermore, INEC disclosed that it would suspend all engagements with the party’s factions, including monitoring of meetings, congresses, and conventions, until the court delivers a final judgment.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its neutrality, INEC emphasized its commitment to strictly obeying judicial pronouncements and urged political stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The leadership crisis within the ADC has since resulted in multiple court cases, with rival factions seeking legal validation to assert control over the party’s structure.
