The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped into the deepening leadership crisis within the African Democra...
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped into the deepening leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), suspending recognition of all rival factions and ordering the removal of Senator David Mark’s leadership from its official records.
The decision follows a flurry of legal claims and counterclaims arising from a Court of Appeal judgment in Abuja, which has further complicated the battle for control of the party between Senator Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC confirmed receiving conflicting demands from both camps. While lawyers to some ADC stakeholders urged the Commission not to recognise Gombe due to a pending suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Gombe’s legal team insisted that INEC enforce the Court of Appeal ruling by withdrawing recognition from Mark and his allies.
The appellate court, in its March 12, 2026 judgment, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive suit before the lower court.
Citing the ruling, INEC said it would refrain from recognising any leadership faction or engaging in party activities until the legal dispute is resolved.
“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 read, adding that it would also not monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by either faction.
In a major fallout of the decision, INEC announced it would remove the names of the current National Working Committee led by Senator Mark from its portal, noting that the move was necessary to comply with the court’s directive to revert to the situation before the suit was filed in September 2025.
The Commission also rejected calls to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman, effectively leaving the party without an officially recognised leadership pending the court’s final verdict.
INEC further denied allegations that it had disobeyed court orders by previously engaging with the Mark-led faction, insisting its actions were guided by the facts available before the latest ruling.
The electoral body emphasised its commitment to neutrality and strict adherence to judicial pronouncements, warning political actors against actions that could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ADC crisis, which stems from disputes over succession following the resignation of the party’s former leadership, is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja for determination.
.jpeg)
No comments