ADC Rejects INEC Action on Party Leadership

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

INEC announced that it would also not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be affirmed as the party’s national chairman through a court process.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the electoral body said it had suspended recognition of all factions within the party and would refrain from monitoring conventions, congresses, or other activities organised by groups aligned with the contending leaders until the courts resolve the dispute.

According to INEC, the decision follows a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 and the existence of a substantive case pending before the Federal High Court.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission’s action was taken to maintain neutrality and ensure compliance with the law while the legal process runs its course.

Haruna also urged political actors to avoid actions capable of disrupting preparations for the 2027 general elections.

INEC disclosed that it had received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from the law firm of Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, warning the Commission against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman while the matter remains before the court.

The Commission further confirmed receiving a “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers, counsel to Gombe, requesting the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s records and urging the Commission to discontinue any engagement with them or activities conducted under their authority.

However, reacting to the development, the ADC rejected INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling and accused the electoral body of acting under external pressure.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with the facts surrounding the dispute.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on opposition parties,” Abdullahi said.

He further alleged that the Commission had taken sides in the leadership dispute.

“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he added.

The ADC spokesperson said the party’s leadership was reviewing the situation and would soon announce its next line of action.

“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives,” the statement said.

The conflicting claims and legal demands from the rival factions have intensified the internal crisis within the ADC, leaving the party’s leadership structure uncertain as the courts continue to examine the dispute.