The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, David Mark, from its official portal in compliance with a Court of Appeal directive.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC said the decision was taken to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development marks a fresh twist in the protracted leadership crisis rocking the ADC, which began after the exit of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu.
Following the resignation of the Nwosu-led NWC—ratified at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025—a new leadership structure emerged, reportedly aligned with David Mark.
However, the transition was immediately contested by the party’s then Vice National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who insisted he never resigned and should have automatically assumed office as Acting National Chairman.
The dispute escalated into a legal battle, with Gombe approaching the Federal High Court in September 2025 to seek recognition and restrain the Mark-led leadership.
Despite the pending suit, INEC had initially uploaded the names of the Mark-led NWC to its portal, further deepening the crisis and triggering a series of legal tussles between the factions.
The matter later reached the Court of Appeal, which, in its March 12, 2026 ruling, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by the Mark group and ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive case, while directing all parties to maintain the pre-dispute status.
Citing this directive, INEC said the names of the Mark-led NWC—uploaded on September 9, 2025—would now be removed from its portal until the court delivers a final judgment.
The Commission also declined a request by Gombe’s camp to be recognised as Acting National Chairman, noting that such action would violate the court’s order.
Furthermore, INEC announced the suspension of all engagements with the party’s factions, including monitoring of meetings, congresses, or conventions, until the legal dispute is resolved.
Reaffirming its neutrality, the electoral body urged political actors to respect judicial processes and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ADC leadership crisis continues to underscore deep internal divisions within the party and highlights the judiciary’s critical role in resolving political disputes.
