The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced it will maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a ruling by the Court of Appeal.
In a statement issued on April 1, 2026, the Commission said it received conflicting legal representations over the party’s leadership tussle involving David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
INEC disclosed that while one legal team urged it not to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending suit at the Federal High Court, another demanded enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment, including the removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party.
The Commission said the Court of Appeal, in its March 12, 2026 judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to INEC, the dispute stems from the emergence of a National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mark following a National Executive Committee meeting in July 2025, which is being challenged by Gombe, a former vice national chairman who claims he should succeed the party’s leadership based on its constitution.
Citing the appellate court’s preservatory orders, INEC said it would refrain from taking any action that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
“As a result, the Commission will not recognise any faction or leadership of the ADC pending the final determination of the matter by the Federal High Court,” the statement said.
INEC also announced that it would no longer receive or act on correspondence from any of the contending groups and would not monitor or recognise any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by either faction.
In a significant step, the Commission confirmed that it has removed the names of the current NWC led by David Mark from its portal in compliance with the court’s directive to maintain the status quo.
The electoral body further rejected calls to install Gombe as acting national chairman pending the court’s decision.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and strict adherence to judicial orders, urging political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions that could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.
