- INEC has announced it will remove the ADC NWC led by David Mark from its portal following a Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo.
- The commission also suspended dealings with both factions and rejected recognition requests pending a final court decision.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to remove the names of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark from its official portal, following a directive from the Court of Appeal.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the commission said the decision is aimed at complying with a court order and maintaining the status quo pending the outcome of a substantive case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC explained that the action stems from a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026, which directed all parties involved in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the existing situation and avoid actions that could influence the final ruling.
“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.
The ADC has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis, with two factions laying claim to the party’s structure. While one group is led by David Mark, another faction is headed by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
INEC noted that the names of the current NWC members were initially uploaded to its portal on September 9, 2025 seven days after the lawsuit challenging the leadership was filed.
According to the commission, the court’s directive makes it necessary to reverse that action until the matter is fully resolved.
“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 stated.
The electoral body also rejected a request from the Bala-led faction seeking recognition as acting national chairman, noting that such a move would contradict the court’s directive.
It further announced the suspension of all engagements with both factions, including monitoring of meetings, congresses, and conventions, until a final judgment is delivered.
“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.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality and strict compliance with judicial orders, urging political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ADC crisis continues to generate legal battles, with both factions seeking control of the party through the courts.
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