INEC Removes David Mark-Led ADC NWC, Suspends All Factional Dealings Amid Deepening Crisis
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken decisive action in the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ordering the removal of the names of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark from its official portal. This move comes as the commission suspends all interactions with contending factions of the party, pending the resolution of a lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
Legal Basis for INEC's Decision
INEC's action follows the Court of Appeal's ruling in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which involves Senator David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe. The commission cited a flurry of conflicting legal communications from both camps over the party's leadership as a key factor. In line with the appellate court's preservatory orders, INEC has resolved to maintain the "status quo ante bellum"—the situation as it existed before the suit was filed on September 2, 2025. This approach aims to protect the integrity of the substantive case and avoid prejudicing the court proceedings.
The commission also declined a request from the Nafiu Bala camp to recognize him as acting national chairman, emphasizing that such recognition could undermine the legal process. The ADC crisis originated from a leadership tussle after the reported resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu and other executive members in July 2025, which led to the emergence of a new NWC under Mark. However, Gombe, who served as Vice-National Chairman, contested this development, arguing that he never resigned and should automatically assume leadership per the party's constitution.
Court Proceedings and Accelerated Hearing
Gombe subsequently approached the Federal High Court seeking orders to restrain INEC from recognizing Mark's leadership and to acknowledge him as acting chairman. While the matter was pending, Mark's camp filed an interlocutory appeal challenging the trial court's jurisdiction. In its judgment on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed this appeal and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, warning against actions that could compromise the pending proceedings. The appellate court also directed an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, citing the proximity of the 2027 general election timetable.
INEC disclosed that it received separate letters dated March 16, 2026, from lawyers representing both factions. The law firm of Suleiman Usman (SAN) urged the commission not to recognize Gombe as acting chairman due to the pending suit, while Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, demanded enforcement of the Court of Appeal judgment. Gombe's lawyers specifically requested INEC to:
- Cease recognition of Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary, respectively.
- Remove their names from the INEC portal.
- Refrain from dealing with them.
They further accused INEC of disobeying court orders by inviting Mark's faction to political parties' meetings and monitoring its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in March. Additionally, they called for the invalidation of decisions taken at the NEC meeting and sought to restrain INEC from recognizing any party activities until the court's final decision.
INEC's Response and Commitment to Neutrality
In response, INEC stated that it carefully reviewed the Court of Appeal judgment and all processes before the Federal High Court before arriving at its position. The commission resolved to adhere to the status quo ante bellum as directed and avoid any actions that could prejudice the court proceedings. INEC emphasized that it will not recognize Gombe as acting national chairman and will suspend all interactions with any ADC faction.
The commission's statement clarified: "The Commission shall not, given the reliefs claimed in the Originating Summons and the pending motions, receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining the affairs of the party and will not monitor any Meeting, Congress or Convention convened on behalf of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja so as not to do any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court."
Furthermore, INEC noted that since the names of the current NWC members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on September 9, 2025—seven days after the suit was instituted—they will be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the trial court decides the matter. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law, urging political actors to avoid actions that could undermine the electoral process.
