INEC Terminates Recognition of David Mark-Led ADC Faction After Court Decision
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced it will no longer recognize either the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the faction headed by Rafiu Bala. This significant decision follows the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, which has compelled the electoral body to reassess its position regarding the party's leadership.
Commission Halts Monitoring of Party Activities
In a statement issued today, April 1, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Kudu, Chairman of Information and Voter Education, INEC declared it will cease monitoring any meetings, congresses, or conventions organized by the two conflicting groups. This suspension will remain in effect until the Federal High Court delivers a final verdict on the ongoing legal dispute.
The commission further confirmed it will remove David Mark's name from the INEC portal, effectively withdrawing official acknowledgment of his leadership role within the party structure.
Background of the Leadership Conflict
The controversy traces back to 2025 when the opposition coalition adopted the African Democratic Congress as its political platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. This strategic move was followed by former ADC national chairman Ralph Nwosu formally handing over the party's membership card to former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Mark and Aregbesola assumed the positions of interim national chairman and national secretary respectively, following the resignation of the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee in July 2025. However, this transition was immediately contested by Rafiu Bala, who had served as vice chairman before the caretaker committee took control.
Legal Battles and Court Interventions
Rafiu Bala approached the courts to challenge the emergence of David Mark and his colleagues at the National Working Committee. Meanwhile, Nafiu Bala Gombe, the Vice-National Chairman, claimed he should automatically assume the chairman's position following Nwosu's resignation.
Bala Gombe instituted Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 on September 2, 2025, seeking an ex parte injunction to restrain Senator David Mark's group from presenting themselves as the party's legitimate leadership. The motion was heard on September 4, 2025, with Justice Emeka Nwite directing that the respondents be put on notice.
Senator David Mark appealed this order on December 18, 2025, but the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the appeal on March 12, 2026. This appellate court decision has become the foundation for INEC's current position regarding the party's recognition.
INEC's Stance Based on Legal Precedents
Following the Court of Appeal ruling, INEC stated that the judicial outcome influenced its decision to maintain the status quo ante bellum. The commission is now operating based on the facts existing prior to September 2, 2025, when the original case was filed at the Federal High Court.
This development creates significant implications for the African Democratic Congress as it prepares for the 2027 general elections, potentially affecting its organizational structure, campaign preparations, and electoral participation unless the leadership dispute is resolved through proper legal channels.
