ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens as INEC Freezes Recognition of Rival FactionsNigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has moved to halt recognition of all factions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), intensifying the party’s leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.The decision follows conflicting claims and legal battles between camps loyal to former Senate President David Mark and that of Nafiu Bala Gombe over the control of the party’s national leadership.In a statement issued Wednesday, INEC said it had received multiple legal communications from both sides, including demands to either enforce a Court of Appeal judgment removing Mark’s leadership or to refrain from recognising Gombe pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of the judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, in which the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and ordered parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” — the situation as it existed before the commencement of the suit at the lower court.The commission said the order effectively restrains all parties from taking actions that could prejudice the outcome of the case, including leadership changes or party activities that may alter the existing structure under litigation.Responding to the competing demands, INEC resolved to freeze all dealings with the ADC’s rival factions, stating that it would neither recognise any claimant to the party’s national leadership nor monitor any meetings, congresses or conventions organised by either group.“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party… until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court,” the statement read.INEC also rejected a request by Gombe’s camp to be recognised as acting national chairman pending the court’s decision, insisting that such a move would violate the appellate court’s directive.In a significant move, the commission further announced that it would remove from its official portal the names of the current National Working Committee led by David Mark, which had earlier been uploaded in September 2025, in order to comply with the court’s directive to maintain the pre-litigation status.The dispute dates back to September 2025 when Gombe approached the Federal High Court, arguing that he should assume leadership of the party following the alleged resignation of the previous chairman, while challenging the emergence of Mark’s leadership team.Political analysts warn that the deepening crisis within the ADC could weaken the party’s position as a viable third force in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.INEC, however, reaffirmed its neutrality, urging political parties and stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral timetable or undermine ongoing judicial proceedings.
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