BREAKING: INEC withdraws recognition of David Mark-led ADC over a’court judgment

The Independent National Electoral Commission has resolved to remove the names of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark from its official portal, in compliance with a Court of Appeal order.

INEC disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, stressing that it would maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The decision follows a protracted leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and Mark laying claim to the party’s national structure.

According to the commission, the appellate court, in a judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, directed all parties to maintain the existing situation before the dispute arose and refrain from actions that could prejudice the outcome of the case.

“That the Commission would, in accordance with the Order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 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, having regard to all the processes filed before the trial Court,”the statement read.

INEC explained that although the names of the current NWC members were uploaded on its portal on September 9, 2025, the action was taken after the suit had already been filed on September 2, 2025.

It noted that, in line with the court order, the names would now be removed pending the resolution of the matter.

“Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025 by INEC (7 days after the suit was instituted), the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court,” INEC said.

The commission also rejected a request by Bala’s camp to recognise him as acting national chairman, stating that granting such a request would violate the court’s directive.

INEC further announced that it would suspend all engagements with the party’s factions, including monitoring of meetings, congresses, or conventions, until the court delivers a final ruling.

“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” it added.

The electoral body reiterated its commitment to neutrality and strict adherence to judicial pronouncements, urging political actors to avoid actions capable of disrupting preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The leadership tussle in the ADC has triggered a series of legal battles, with both factions approaching the courts to assert control over the party’s structure