The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has halted recognition of all leadership factions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a ruling by the Court of Appeal and the ongoing legal dispute over the party’s leadership.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, the commission explained that the decision aligns with the appellate court’s directive for both factions to maintain the status quo until the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers a final judgment.
INEC added that it would no longer engage with either group after receiving conflicting communications from both sides, each seeking official recognition.
ADC’s Growing Political Influence
The development comes at a time when the ADC is emerging as a major opposition platform, with several prominent politicians aligning with the party.
A coalition led by Atiku Abubakar adopted the ADC in July 2025 as a vehicle to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Key figures within the party include Atiku, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who placed second, third, and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential race.
Other notable members include former Senate President David Mark, who leads one faction, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, and former Youth and Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as spokesperson.
Origin of the Leadership Crisis
The dispute began after the resignation of the party’s former executives led by Ralph Nwosu and the emergence of a new National Working Committee headed by David Mark on July 29, 2025.
However, Nafiu Bala, a former vice-national chairman, challenged the arrangement at the Federal High Court, insisting he should take over leadership in line with the party’s constitution.
On March 16, INEC received separate letters from both factions. Mark’s camp, represented by Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, urged the commission not to recognise Bala due to the pending court case.
Meanwhile, Bala’s group, through Summit Law Chambers, asked INEC to enforce the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.
Court Ruling and Orders
The appellate court dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark’s faction and directed all parties, including INEC, “to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.”
The court also ordered an accelerated hearing, considering INEC’s election timetable.
INEC’s Position
Based on the ruling, INEC said it would avoid any action that could interfere with the court process.
It confirmed that the names of the National Working Committee led by David Mark, previously uploaded in September 2025, would be removed from its portal.
The commission also rejected a request from Nafiu Bala’s camp to recognise him as acting national chairman pending the court’s decision.
“The Commission shall not… receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the 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,” the statement said.
See the statement below:
That the Commission also received on 31st March, 2026, a letter dated 28th March, 2026 from Senator David Mark’s group notifying the Commission of the schedule of ADC Congresses and National Convention as well as the revised schedule of activities earlier contained in their…
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) April 1, 2026
