By Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pulled the rug under the feet of the former Vice President camp of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The Commission on Wednesday announced the suspension of recognition for all factions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on a protracted leadership dispute involving David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the electoral body said its decision was guided strictly by the judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 and the need to preserve the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings at the Federal High Court.
INEC disclosed that it received conflicting correspondence from legal representatives of both camps on March 16, 2026.
(ADC) urged the Commission not to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending suit, counsel to Gombe demanded enforcement of the appellate court’s ruling.
The latter specifically called on INEC to cease recognition of Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary respectively, remove their names from its portal, and refrain from engaging with their faction.
Further allegations by Gombe’s legal team accused INEC of disobeying court orders by inviting Mark’s faction to a political parties’ meeting and monitoring a disputed National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in March.
The Court of Appeal, in its March 12 judgment, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and issued preservatory orders mandating all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
The appellate court also ordered accelerated hearing of the case, citing the proximity of the electoral timetable, and warned against any action that could prejudice the proceedings or render them nugatory.
INEC explained that the current ADC National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mark emerged from a National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, following the resignation of the previous leadership under Ralph Nwosu.
However, Gombe, who was vice-national chairman, has maintained that he never resigned and should automatically assume leadership in line with the party’s constitution.
He subsequently approached the Federal High Court in September 2025 seeking orders to restrain INEC from recognising Mark’s leadership and to compel the Commission to acknowledge him as acting chairman.
INEC noted that multiple motions, including ex parte applications, are still pending before the trial court, further complicating the matter.
At its meeting on March 31, 2026, the Commission resolved to strictly adhere to the appellate court’s directive by restoring the situation to what it was before the suit was filed on September 2, 2025.
Key decisions include:
Suspension of recognition of all factions within the ADC pending final judicial determination
Refusal to install Gombe as acting national chairman
Withdrawal from monitoring or recognising any party meetings, congresses, or conventions
Removal of names of the current NWC led by Mark from INEC’s official portal
INEC emphasised that it would not entertain further correspondence from either faction on party affairs until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and strict compliance with judicial pronouncements, stressing that its actions are aimed at safeguarding due process and the rule of law.
It also urged political actors and stakeholders within the ADC to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral process, particularly as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring that no action is taken that could undermine the integrity of the judicial process or the electoral framework,” INEC stated.
