By Editor Mahmoud Muhammad, kano & Editor at Large.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved to maintain neutrality in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announcing the removal of disputed leadership names from its official portal.
In a statement issued on April 1, 2026, the electoral body said it would uphold the status quo following a judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, and suspend all official dealings with factions of the party pending the outcome of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
The dispute centres on rival leadership claims between David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, both of whom have staked claims to control of the party.
INEC disclosed that it received conflicting legal communications from the opposing camps—one urging the commission not to recognise Gombe due to ongoing litigation, and the other demanding enforcement of the appellate court ruling, including the removal of Mark and his team from official records.
The Court of Appeal, in its March 12, 2026 ruling, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the final determination of the case. It also ordered an accelerated hearing at the Federal High Court in view of the electoral timetable.
Following a review of the judgment and legal processes, INEC said it would refrain from recognising any faction or taking steps that could prejudice the court’s final decision.
As part of its measures, the commission stated that it will no longer accept correspondence from either faction on party affairs and will not monitor or participate in any congresses, conventions, or meetings organised by the contending groups until the dispute is resolved.
INEC also rejected calls to install Gombe as acting national chairman, noting that such a move would violate the court’s directive to preserve the pre-dispute situation.
The commission explained that although the names of the current ADC leadership were uploaded to its portal in September 2025 after the crisis began, they are now being removed in compliance with the appellate court’s order.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and the rule of law, INEC urged political stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The leadership tussle remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with analysts closely monitoring its potential impact on party structure and political alignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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