The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided clarity on the leadership struggle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), officially removing the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark from its digital portal.
The commission explained that this move follows a comprehensive review of the Court of Appeal’s ruling in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, as well as an active suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC noted that it had been caught between conflicting demands from two factions: one supporting Nafiu Bala Gombe and the other backing David Mark.
While the Gombe faction sought the enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment to oust Mark, the opposing side argued against recognizing Gombe while the legal battle continued.
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The root of the conflict dates back to July 2025, when the party’s former leadership resigned, leading to the rise of the Mark-led executive. However, Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, challenged this, asserting his constitutional right to the leadership.
In a significant ruling on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed Mark’s interlocutory appeal and ordered all parties to return to the “status quo ante bellum” (the state of affairs before the conflict began) until the Federal High Court delivers a final verdict.
Following a meeting on March 31, 2026, INEC resolved to adhere strictly to the judicial 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.
Consequently, the electoral body has declined to recognize Gombe as the acting national chairman for now and has suspended all official dealings with either faction—including the monitoring of any congresses or conventions—until the court resolves the dispute.
INEC justified removing the Mark-led NWC from its portal by noting that the leadership was only uploaded after the lawsuit had already commenced.
Reaffirming its stance on neutrality and the rule of law, INEC urged political players to avoid actions that could disrupt the 2027 general election cycle.
The final determination of the ADC leadership remains pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
