“ADC Crisis: Is Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government Pulling the Strings as INEC Freezes Party?”
By Passman Akpos
Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has taken a decisive stance in the escalating leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ordering a return to the “status quo ante” and suspending recognition of all contending factions.
In a detailed press release issued on April 1, 2026, INEC confirmed it received conflicting legal communications from parties loyal to David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, each laying claim to the party’s national leadership.
The development follows a judgment by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the existing situation before the dispute escalated in September 2025
INEC Rejects Both Camps’ Demands
While Gombe’s legal team urged INEC to enforce the appellate court’s ruling by recognizing him as acting national chairman, Mark’s camp continued to engage the commission, even notifying it of planned congresses and a national convention.
INEC, however, rejected both sides’ demands.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties… and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention… until the matter is decided,” the statement declared.
Names to Be Removed from INEC Portal
In a move likely to deepen the crisis, INEC announced it would remove the names of the current National Working Committee led by David Mark from its official portal.
The commission said this action was necessary to comply with the Court of Appeal’s directive to preserve the integrity of ongoing proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the substantive suit is being heard.
Legal Battle at the Core
At the heart of the dispute is Gombe’s claim that he never resigned as vice-national chairman and should automatically assume leadership following the exit of former chairman Ralph Nwosu. Mark’s faction, however, insists its leadership emerged legitimately after a National Executive Committee decision in July 2025.
The case, filed as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, seeks, among other reliefs, to restrain INEC from recognizing Mark’s leadership and compel recognition of Gombe
INEC Vows Neutrality Ahead of 2027 Elections
INEC emphasized that its actions are guided strictly by judicial orders and not political pressure, reiterating its neutrality as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.
“The Commission remains committed to impartiality and will not take any step capable of rendering the court proceedings nugatory,” the statement added.
Stakeholders have now been urged to exercise restraint as the courts determine the legitimate leadership of the ADC—a decision that could significantly shape the party’s future ahead of the next electoral cycle.
