INEC Suspends ADC Leadership Amid Internal Crisis, Party Blames APC for Woes
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing a significant setback as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the removal of its National Working Committee (NWC) from its official portal. This action comes amid a deepening internal leadership crisis within the party, just nine months before the 2027 presidential election. The ADC has responded by accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the turmoil to weaken opposition forces.
INEC's Decision and Legal Basis
In a statement issued by INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, the commission announced the suspension of all dealings with contending factions of the ADC. This decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which involves a leadership dispute between Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. INEC has removed the names of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary from its portal, citing the need to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the situation as it existed before the suit was filed on September 2, 2025.
The commission emphasized its commitment to neutrality and adherence to the rule of law, urging political actors to avoid actions that could undermine the electoral process. INEC will refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organized by groups aligned with the affected leaders until the Federal High Court in Abuja resolves the ongoing suit.
ADC's Reaction and Allegations Against APC
The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, has rejected INEC's interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. In a strongly worded statement, the party alleged that INEC acted under pressure from a government panicked by the opposition's rising momentum. The ADC accused the APC of attempting to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on Nigeria.
Bolaji Abdullahi stated, "We reject INEC's interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that had become jittery from the ADC's rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties." The party warned that INEC has effectively sided with the government against Nigerians and is currently reviewing its options, promising to announce next steps soon.
Roots of the Leadership Crisis
The internal crisis stems from a leadership tussle following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu and other executive members in July 2025. This paved the way for a new NWC led by Senator David Mark. However, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who served as Vice National Chairman, challenged this development, arguing that he never resigned and should automatically assume leadership per the party's constitution. Gombe approached the Federal High Court seeking orders to restrain INEC from recognizing Mark's leadership.
On March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal from Mark's camp and ordered parties to maintain the status quo, warning against actions that could undermine pending proceedings. The court also directed an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, citing the proximity of the 2027 general election timetable.
Protests and Petitions
In response to the crisis, the Gombe faction staged a protest at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding recognition of Bala as the party's National Chairman. Convener Abdullahi Ahmed stated the demonstration aimed to reinforce the rule of law and protect Nigeria's democratic integrity. Meanwhile, the faction sent a petition to INEC seeking to stop the party's planned congresses scheduled for April 7-14, arguing that any leadership transition must follow the ADC's 2018 constitution and the Electoral Act.
Allegations of APC Interference
The ADC has alleged a plot by the APC to stage a 'Mark must go' protest, claiming it is a desperate attempt to destabilize the party. Bolaji Abdullahi accused the APC of using paid protesters after failing to pressure INEC into dismantling the Mark-led leadership. Additionally, ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo criticized the APC for using "some charlatans" to truncate the ADC and undermine its coalition strategy, alleging that President Bola Tinubu does not want political competition.
Okonkwo clarified that former INEC chairman Yakubu Mahmood recognized the ADC leadership after 18 months of negotiations, and he dismissed Gombe's claims, noting that Gombe had resigned from the party in May 2025. The ADC's coalition includes prominent opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who have recently joined from parties such as the PDP, LP, and NNPP.
External Reactions and Concerns
The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum condemned INEC's removal of the ADC NWC, describing it as unjustified and undemocratic. In a statement, the group argued that INEC should have maintained the status quo pending judicial resolution and warned that such actions erode public confidence in democratic institutions. Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun also criticized the move, stating that courts should not delve into intra-party disputes and that such preservatory orders are unconstitutional.
In another development, the ADC called on INEC to confirm the authenticity of a leaked memo suggesting plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise. The party warned that this could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians and suppress turnout, benefiting only the ruling party. The ADC urged INEC to abandon the plan to ensure a credible electoral process.
Political Maneuvering and Defections
The ADC mocked the APC after its leaders met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed amid speculation over his possible defection. Bolaji Abdullahi described the move as a desperate attempt by the APC to retain the governor, highlighting the impact of potential defections on the political landscape. This follows Governor Mohammed's indication that he may leave the PDP for the ADC, citing ongoing consultations.
As the 2027 elections approach, the ADC's internal crisis and allegations against the APC underscore the volatile nature of Nigerian politics. The party's ability to resolve its leadership disputes and maintain its coalition strategy will be crucial in determining its role as a viable opposition force in the upcoming electoral contest.
