The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark from its official portal, in compliance with an order of the Court of Appeal.
The commission disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the decision was taken to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC said the action followed a March 12, 2026 judgment of the appellate court, which directed all parties in the protracted leadership dispute within the party to maintain the situation as it was before the crisis and refrain from acts capable of undermining the court process.
The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership tussle, with rival factions led by Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe laying claim to the party’s national structure.
Quoting from the court order, INEC stated that it would “refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.”
The commission explained that although the names of the Mark-led NWC were uploaded on its portal on September 9, 2025, the action came seven days after the suit challenging the leadership was instituted.
It added that, in line with the court directive, the names would now be removed pending the final resolution of the case.
“Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on September 9, 2025, by INEC — seven days after the suit was instituted — the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court,” the commission said.
INEC also rejected a request by the Bala-led faction to recognise him as acting national chairman, stressing that granting such recognition would amount to a violation of the subsisting court order.
The electoral body further announced the suspension of all engagements with the party’s factions, including monitoring of meetings, congresses and conventions, pending the final determination of the case.
“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” it added.
INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality and strict compliance with judicial pronouncements, urging political actors to avoid actions that could jeopardise preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ADC leadership crisis has sparked multiple legal battles, with both factions seeking judicial affirmation of their claims to the party’s structure.
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