ADC fumes as INEC derecognises David Mark-led NWC

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday derecognises Sen. David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while it also indicated that it will not monitor the National Convention of the party scheduled for 14 April.

However, ADC has rejected the decision of INEC, vowing to challenge it.

Bolaji Abdullah, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC said the party is reviewing its options to challenge the decision of the electoral commission

However, INEC had in the statement it issued late Tuesday also disclosed that it will cease all dealings with any faction of the ADC pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna who this issued the statement this is in compliance with the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors.

He said that the decision was taken, after a careful review of the Court of Appeal’s judgment delivered on March 12 and the ongoing case before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to Haruna, INEC had earlier received separate letters dated March 16 from two law firms representing different interests in the party.

He noted that Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., writing on behalf of concerned stakeholders within the ADC, cautioned the Commission against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman while the matter remains before the Federal High Court.

He said that on the other hand, Summit Law Chambers, acting for Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the Court of Appeal’s judgment by ceasing recognition of Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.

He recalled that the letter also sought the removal of Mark group’s names from INEC’s portal and refraining from dealing with them.

He further noted that in another letter dated March 27, Summit Law Chambers alleged that INEC had disobeyed the Court of Appeal’s orders by inviting Mark’s group to a political parties’ meeting and by monitoring a purported National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by the group.

Haruna recalled that in its judgment, the Court of Appeal dismissed the interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and directed that the parties must maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

He added that the court also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case in view of the Electoral Timetable and warned parties against taking any steps that could prejudice the matter before the trial court.

He said that INEC observed that the current NWC of the ADC emerged from a NEC meeting held on July 29, 2025 following the resignation of the previous executive committee led by Mr Ralph Nwosu.

He said that the commission also observed that Gombe, who was National Vice Chairman, maintained that he did not resign and that by virtue of the party’s constitution, he should assume leadership following the resignation of the Chairman.

“He subsequently filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 on 2nd September 2025, seeking orders to restrain Sen. Mark’s group from parading themselves as party leaders and to compel INEC to recognise him as acting national chairman,” he said.

INEC also noted that the names of the current NWC led by Sen. Mark were uploaded to its portal on Sept. 9, 2025 following a request received on Sept. 4, 2025.

Haruna said that fter considering the judgment and all relevant processes, the Commission resolved to maintain the situation as it existed before Sept. 2, 2025, when the suit was filed.

He said that the commission also resolved to refrain from taking any action that could undermine the proceedings before the Federal High Court.

He disclosed that INEC declined the request to allow Gombe to take over the affairs of the party pending the court’s decision.

He noted that INEC would not receive further communication from, or deal with, any of the contending groups on matters relating to the party’s affairs.

It added that it would not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened by any faction of the ADC until the case is determined by the Federal High Court.

He stated that in line with the directive to maintain the status quo, the commission would remove from its portal the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Mark.

He reiterated INEC’s commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict compliance with court orders, and urged political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly so as not to disrupt preparations for the 2027 General Election.

We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling

However Abdullahi said INEC being pressured by government to take the action as a result of ADC’s rising momentum despite relentless assault on all opposition parties.

“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.

“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.

“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives,” the ADC spokesperson said.