NewsNigeriaPoliticsINEC Rejects David Mark-led ADC, Deletes their Names From Its Portal 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and removed his name and those of the National Working Committee (NWC) from its official portal.

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

The move follows a protracted leadership crisis in the ADC, with rival factions led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and David Mark claiming the party’s national structure.

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

“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, this was done 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 (seven 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 the 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.