By Nworisa Michael
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified its stance on the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirming the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark from its official portal.
According to the commission, the decision followed a thorough review of the Court of Appeal judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, alongside the ongoing case before the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the party’s leadership dispute.
INEC revealed that it received conflicting communications from legal representatives of two opposing factions one aligned with Nafiu Bala Gombe and the other supporting the Mark-led leadership.
While one faction urged the commission not to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending court case, the opposing group called for enforcement of the Court of Appeal ruling, including the withdrawal of recognition from the Mark-led NWC.
The crisis originated from the resignation of the ADC’s former leadership in July 2025 and the subsequent emergence of a new executive committee led by Mark. However, Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged this development, insisting he should assume leadership in accordance with the party’s constitution.
In its March 12, 2026 ruling, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the final determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
The court also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and warned against actions that could undermine the judicial process.
Following its review, INEC stated that at its March 31, 2026 meeting, it resolved to strictly comply with the court’s directive.
“As directed by the Court of Appeal, the Commission will maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from taking any step capable of rendering the proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory,” the commission stated.
INEC further disclosed that it declined requests to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman pending the court’s final ruling. It also announced the suspension of all engagements with any faction of the party, including monitoring meetings, congresses, or conventions, until the dispute is resolved.
The commission explained that removing the Mark-led NWC from its portal was necessary to preserve the status quo, noting that the leadership was initially uploaded after the suit had already been filed.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and strict adherence to judicial orders, INEC urged political stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ADC leadership crisis remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a final decision is expected in due course.
