By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially removed the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark from its official portal, following a detailed review of a recent Court of Appeal ruling.
The Commission disclosed that its decision, reached at a meeting on March 31, 2026, was necessitated by conflicting legal communications from two factions within the party—one supporting Nafiu Bala Gombe and the other backing the Mark-led leadership.
According to INEC, the crisis stems from the resignation of the ADC’s former leadership in July 2025, which led to the emergence of a new executive committee under Mark. Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged this development, insisting on his right to assume leadership based on the party’s constitution.
In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The appellate court also directed an accelerated hearing of the case.
INEC stated that in strict compliance with the court’s directive, it declined to recognize Gombe as acting national chairman and suspended all dealings with any faction of the party, including monitoring meetings, congresses, or conventions, until the legal dispute is resolved.
The Commission noted that the removal of the Mark-led NWC from its portal was necessary to preserve the status quo, as the leadership had been uploaded after the suit was already instituted.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and adherence to judicial orders, INEC urged political actors to avoid actions that could jeopardize preparations for the 2027 general elections. The leadership tussle within the ADC remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a final determination is expected in due course.
