BREAKING: INEC Removes David Mark-Led ADC NWC From Official Portal
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a decisive step in the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announcing the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Senate President David Mark from its official portal.
The electoral body made this known on Wednesday. It said the action follows a directive from the Court of Appeal.
INEC explained that the move is aimed at preserving the situation as it was before the dispute escalated, pending a final decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The commission noted that the leadership crisis in the ADC has lingered for months. Two factions have been laying claim to the party’s structure. One is led by David Mark, while the other is headed by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The development has led to several legal battles and heightened tensions within the party.
INEC said it would strictly obey the ruling of the appellate court delivered on March 12, 2026. The court had instructed all parties to maintain the existing situation and avoid any action that could affect the outcome of the case before the lower court.
“That the Commission would, in accordance with the Order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 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, having regard to all the processes filed before the trial Court,” the statement read.
The commission also gave more insight into how the situation developed. It said the names of the NWC members under Mark were uploaded on its portal on September 9, 2025. This was seven days after a suit challenging the leadership had already been filed in court on September 2, 2025.
Based on the latest court order, INEC confirmed that those names will now be taken down. The commission stressed that this is necessary to comply fully with the directive to maintain the status quo until the court delivers its final judgment.
“Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025 by INEC (7 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,” INEC said.
INEC also addressed a request from the faction loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe. The group had asked the commission to recognise Bala as the acting national chairman of the party. However, INEC rejected the request. It said granting such recognition would go against the court’s directive.
The commission further announced that it will suspend all dealings with both factions for now. This includes monitoring of meetings, congresses, and conventions organised by either side.
It made it clear that it will not entertain any communication relating to the party’s internal affairs until the court gives a final ruling.
“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 position on neutrality. It assured Nigerians that it remains committed to following the law and respecting judicial pronouncements. The commission also warned political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The crisis within the ADC continues to deepen. Both factions remain firm in their claims to the party’s leadership. With multiple cases already before the courts, the final outcome is expected to shape the party’s future ahead of the next general elections.
