The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress has intensified following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognise key figures within the party’s National Working Committee.
The commission removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively from its official records, citing ongoing legal disputes over the party’s leadership.
The move has triggered strong reactions from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as allies of Peter Obi, who warned of wider political implications.
Why INEC Derecognises Mark, Aregbesola
INEC said its decision was based strictly on a subsisting court order and the need to maintain neutrality amid conflicting legal claims over the ADC leadership.
According to the commission’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, the electoral body was confronted with multiple legal directives from opposing factions within the party.
The commission explained that it received a letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., cautioning it against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe due to a pending case at the Federal High Court, alongside another communication from Summit Law Chambers demanding enforcement of a Court of Appeal judgment.
INEC stated, “the letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co urged the commission not to recognise Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress on account of the pending Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, while the letter from Summit Law Chambers, on the other hand, attached the certified True Copy of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors and requested the commission to enforce the judgement of the Court of Appeal…”
The commission maintained that its action followed the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, which ordered parties to preserve the status quo pending the final determination of the case.
Quoting the court, INEC noted, “Finally, it is necessary to make preservatory orders to ensure that the subject matter of the dispute pending before the trial court is not prejudiced…”
“That the parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court…”
INEC said it resolved at its March 31, 2026 meeting to avoid recognising any faction, adding that it would also halt all engagement with the party until the legal dispute is settled.
“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention…”
It also rejected requests to recognise Gombe as interim chairman, stating, “The commission refused to accede to the request of the Plaintiff’s Solicitors to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of ADC pending the determination of the case.”
What It Means For ADC
The development has deepened the internal crisis within the ADC, effectively leaving the party without a recognised national leadership in INEC’s records pending the court’s final decision.
By removing the names of the current National Working Committee from its portal, the commission has suspended official dealings with all factions, creating uncertainty over the party’s activities ahead of key electoral timelines.
Reacting, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi argued that INEC misinterpreted the court’s directive, insisting that the status quo should reflect the period before the legal dispute began.
“It is definitely a violation of the Court of Appeal position because what the Court of Appeal will rule is that we should maintain the status quo… This indicates only one thing. We should maintain the status quo before the Nafiiu Gombe went to court. And the status quo at the time was that David Mark was the leader.”
He further alleged political interference, claiming the ruling All Progressives Congress was attempting to destabilise the opposition.
Similarly, PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong described the situation as a threat to democracy, alleging wider interference in opposition parties.
“We have said in the statement that it is the APC government that is responsible for the internal crisis in opposition political parties…”
On the other hand, Gombe’s faction welcomed INEC’s decision, describing it as lawful and consistent with the Court of Appeal ruling.
“Our position is very clear. All we want is for INEC to comply with the judgment of the Court of Appeal… the decision is a testament to INEC’s dedication to upholding the constitution…”
Allies of Peter Obi, including Obidient Movement coordinator Yunusa Tanko, warned that the decision could escalate tensions nationwide.
“This is completely absurd… Nigeria will face catastrophic effects if INEC continues to use this as a pretext in making decisions that concern the people.”
With INEC suspending recognition of all factions and declining to monitor party activities, the ADC now faces a critical legal and political test that could shape its participation in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
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