The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to remove the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark from its official portal, citing ongoing legal disputes over the party’s leadership.
INEC also declared that it would suspend all dealings with any faction of the party pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the decision aligns with a ruling of the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute.
Haruna explained that the commission’s decision followed a review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12 in the case involving Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The appellate court had dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and directed an accelerated hearing of the substantive case.
He said INEC received conflicting communications from legal representatives of both factions. While one group cautioned against recognising Gombe as Acting National Chairman, another urged the commission to enforce the appellate court’s ruling by withdrawing recognition from Mark and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as party leaders.
The dispute, according to INEC, dates back to the resignation of the previous ADC leadership led by Ralph Nwosu in July 2025, after which the Mark-led NWC emerged.
However, Gombe, then National Vice Chairman, contested the development, insisting he should assume leadership in line with the party’s constitution and subsequently filed a suit at the Federal High Court.
INEC noted that although the Mark-led NWC was uploaded to its portal in September 2025, it has now resolved to revert to the status quo as it existed before the suit was filed on September 2, 2025.
“The Commission will not receive further communication from, or deal with, any of the contending groups on matters relating to the party’s affairs,” Haruna said.
Read also:Customs strengthens ties with traditional rulers in Oyo State to tackle smuggling
He added that INEC would neither monitor nor recognise any meeting, congress, or convention organised by any faction of the ADC until the court delivers its final judgment.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, adherence to the rule of law, and strict compliance with court orders, urging political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 General Election.
