The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its decision to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
In a statement issued on April 1, 2026, INEC said it would remove the names of the National Working Committee led by David Mark from its official portal and suspend all dealings with factions of the party pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
The decision comes amid competing claims to the party’s leadership between Senator Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, who has challenged the current leadership structure in court.
INEC disclosed that it had received separate legal communications from parties involved in the dispute. While one group urged the commission not to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending court case, another demanded enforcement of the Court of Appeal judgment, including the removal of Senator Mark and other officials from the commission’s records.
The appellate court, in its ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending the resolution of the case at the Federal High Court. The court also directed an accelerated hearing of the matter in view of the electoral timetable.
According to INEC, its review of the judgment and ongoing legal processes informed its latest position. The commission stated that it would refrain from recognising any faction or taking actions that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
Read also:
- Political speculations heightened as Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed meets APC Chairman, Kano Governor
- Ohanaeze Youths reject Tinubu’s $6b Loan
- APP commends 2 Imo Reps for defecting to party
As part of its resolution, INEC said it would not accept further correspondence from any of the contending groups regarding the affairs of the ADC. It also announced that it would not monitor or participate in any congresses, conventions, or meetings organised by either faction until the court delivers a final ruling.
The electoral body rejected requests to install Gombe as acting national chairman, stressing that such a move would contradict the court’s directive to preserve the existing situation prior to the commencement of the suit.
INEC explained that although the names of the current ADC leadership were uploaded to its portal in September 2025, shortly after the dispute began, they would now be removed in compliance with the appellate court’s order.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, adherence to the rule of law, and strict compliance with judicial pronouncements. It also urged political parties and stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The leadership tussle within the ADC remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with observers closely watching the case due to its potential impact on party structure and alignments ahead of the next election cycle.
