Tension as INEC Withdraws Recognition of David Mark-Led ADC, Reasons Emerge

• Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition of ADC leadership and removed National Working Committee names from its portal
• INEC suspended all dealings with ADC factions and declined the request to recognise Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe as interim leader pending court ruling
• INEC reaffirmed neutrality and urged political stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections

Tension has heightened within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership structure.

The electoral body announced that the names of the National Working Committee earlier uploaded on its portal would be removed, in compliance with a directive of the Court of Appeal.

INEC said the move was part of efforts to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the final determination of an ongoing legal dispute involving factions within the party, Channels Television reported.

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INEC halts dealings with all factions

In a resolution reached at its meeting on March 31, 2026, the commission stated that it would suspend all interactions relating to the party’s internal affairs until the court delivers its judgment.

It declared that it would “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 commission further stressed that it would not entertain communications from any group or monitor any congresses or conventions organised in the name of the ADC while the matter remains in court.

Dispute over leadership deepens

INEC disclosed that it had earlier received correspondence from a faction led by Senator David Mark, including a notification of planned congresses and a national convention, alongside a revised schedule of activities.

However, the commission said it declined a request by the plaintiff’s legal representatives seeking to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to assume leadership of the party on an interim basis.

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The electoral body maintained that all actions must align strictly with judicial pronouncements, noting that the names uploaded in September 2025 would now be removed in line with the appellate court’s order.

Commission reaffirms neutrality ahead of 2027 polls

Reiterating its stance, INEC emphasised its commitment to impartiality and adherence to the rule of law.

“The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict compliance with judicial orders,” it said.

It also urged political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Read INEC's X post below:

INEC sounds alarm ahead of 2027 election

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sounded a strong warning over emerging threats to Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Thursday, March 26, at the second annual lecture of the alumni association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), emphasised that elections and security must no longer be treated as separate concerns but as “two sides of the same coin of national stability.”

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng