INEC freezes ADC crisis, removes David Mark’s group

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday said it had frozen all activities of the African Democratic Congress and removed the names of its National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark from its portal, following a subsisting leadership dispute in the party.

The commission said the decision was in compliance with the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 and pending proceedings before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

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INEC, in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said it would maintain the “status quo ante bellum” as directed by the appellate court.

It said the decision followed conflicting demands from lawyers representing Senator David Mark’s group and those of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, both laying claim to the leadership of the party.

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According to the commission, while Gombe’s legal representatives urged it not to recognise Mark’s group due to a pending suit before the Federal High Court, the opposing camp demanded enforcement of the Court of Appeal judgment, including the removal of Mark and other officials.

The electoral body said the appellate court, in its ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“The commission resolved to maintain the status quo ante bellum based on the facts and position of the parties existing before September 2, 2025, when the suit was filed,” the statement read.

INEC said it would refrain from recognising any faction or taking actions that could prejudice the ongoing case before the trial court.

It also declined requests to allow Gombe to assume leadership of the party pending the court’s decision.

The commission further stated that it would not receive correspondence from any of the contending groups or monitor any meetings, congresses or conventions organised in the name of the party until the matter is resolved.

INEC added that the names of the current NWC members led by Mark, which were uploaded on September 9, 2025, would be removed from its portal in compliance with the court order.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to judicial pronouncements, urging political parties and stakeholders to act in ways that would not disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

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