The Nigerian electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced its withdrawal from all activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including its planned national convention, following an escalating leadership crisis within the party.
INEC stated that the decision was reached after receiving formal communications from legal representatives of both camps, each urging the Commission to recognise their authority over the party.
While one faction pushed for the enforcement of a recent appellate court ruling in its favour, the other cautioned against any recognition pending the resolution of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC announced its withdrawal on Wednesday, through a statement released by the National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, amid conflicting legal claims and court proceedings involving two rival factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Gombe.
At the heart of the dispute is a judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria in a case between the two factions.
The court dismissed an appeal filed by Mark’s group and ordered all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum”, effectively freezing leadership arrangements as they existed before litigation began.
INEC, interpreting the ruling alongside ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court, said it would refrain from taking any action that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
“The Commission shall not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group until the matter is decided,” the statement read.
The electoral body also revealed it would remove the names of the party’s current National Working Committee, led by Mark, from its official portal. This move is aimed at restoring the pre-dispute status quo in compliance with the court’s directive.
The crisis traces back to internal disagreements following the resignation of previous party executives in July 2025. While Mark’s faction claims legitimacy based on subsequent appointments ratified by party structures, Gombe insists he automatically assumed leadership as the remaining vice-national chairman, in line with the party’s constitution.
Legal battles ensued, culminating in multiple motions seeking to restrain both INEC and rival party officials from recognising or conducting party activities until the courts deliver a final verdict.
INEC stressed that it would not recognise any correspondence or engage with either faction regarding ADC affairs for now, effectively sidelining the party’s planned organisational activities, including its convention.
As gathered, the Commission’s stance could significantly disrupt the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, as internal cohesion remains a prerequisite for electoral participation.
Reaffirming its neutrality, INEC urged all political actors to respect judicial processes and avoid actions that could undermine the electoral timetable.
“The Commission remains committed to impartiality and strict compliance with court orders,” it said.
With the Federal High Court yet to rule on the substantive matter, the ADC’s leadership crisis appears far from resolved, raising fresh concerns about stability within Nigeria’s opposition political landscape.
