TDThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the removal of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The decision, made public in a press release signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, follows preservatory orders issued by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors.
INEC explained that the move was necessary to maintain neutrality and ensure strict compliance with judicial directives, particularly in light of the ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC.
Background of the Leadership Crisis
The crisis within the ADC began in July 2025 after the resignation of the party’s long-serving chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu.
Following his exit, the National Executive Council ratified the appointment of Senator David Mark to lead the National Working Committee (NWC), with Aregbesola serving as National Secretary.
However, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, then Vice-National Chairman, contested the succession.
He argued that under the party’s constitution, he should automatically assume the role of chairman since he was the only vice-chairman remaining.
This disagreement led Gombe to file Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
He sought injunctions to restrain INEC from recognising David Mark’s group and to compel recognition of himself as acting chairman.
Court of Appeal’s Intervention
On March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed David Mark’s interlocutory appeal and issued preservatory orders.
The court directed that the substantive suit at the Federal High Court be given accelerated hearing and ordered all parties to maintain status quo ante bellum.
The state of affairs before the case was filed in September 2025.
The Court of Appeal further cautioned against any actions that could prejudice the proceedings or render them nugatory.
It awarded ₦2 million in costs to Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, underscoring the seriousness of its ruling.
INEC’s Position
Following the judgment, INEC received conflicting letters from legal representatives of both factions.
Suleiman Usman SAN & Co. urged the Commission not to recognise Gombe due to the pending suit.
Meanwhile, Summit Law Chambers demanded enforcement of the Court of Appeal’s orders, including ceasing recognition of David Mark and Aregbesola.
Summit Law Chambers also accused INEC of disobedience for inviting David Mark’s group to a political parties’ meeting and monitoring its National Executive Committee session in March 2026.
They requested that INEC invalidate those activities and allow Gombe to take over the party’s affairs pending the court’s final decision.
INEC’s Resolution
At its meeting on March 31, 2026, INEC resolved to:
- Remove the names of David Mark and Aregbesola from its portal.
- Suspend recognition of any ADC faction until the Federal High Court delivers judgment.
- Refrain from monitoring or acknowledging ADC congresses, conventions, or meetings to avoid foisting a fait accompli on the court.
The Commission stressed that the names of the current NWC members were uploaded on September 9, 2025—seven days after the suit was filed.
Hence, they must now be removed to comply with the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the pre-litigation status quo.
Commitment to Neutrality
INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and strict adherence to judicial orders.
“The Commission shall not, given the reliefs claimed in the Originating Summons and the pending motions, receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court,” the statement read.
The Commission urged political parties and stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly to avoid jeopardising the electoral timetable for the 2027 General Election.
The removal of David Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s portal marks a significant development in the ADC leadership crisis.
By suspending recognition of both factions, INEC said it is determined to respect judicial authority and avoid actions that could prejudice the courts.
As the Federal High Court prepares to hear the substantive suit, the future of ADC’s leadership remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that INEC will not intervene until the judiciary delivers a final ruling, reinforcing the principle that intra-party disputes must be settled within the bounds of law.
