Why We No Longer Recognise David Mark — INEC Break Silence on ADC Leadership Crisis 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it no longer recognises Senator David Mark as the leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a subsisting court order and the need to obey due process.

The electoral body said its latest position is based strictly on legal directives and not political considerations, as the leadership tussle within the party continues to deepen.

INEC made its position known on Wednesday through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

In a detailed statement, the Commission said it decided to step back from recognising any of the feuding factions in the ADC and instead maintain the “status quo” as directed by the Court of Appeal.

The Commission explained that its decision followed a careful review of the judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, as well as the ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. It stressed that it would not take any action that could be seen as interfering with the judicial process.

According to INEC, the dispute became more complicated after it received conflicting legal communications from two different parties within the ADC.

One letter came from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, representing stakeholders in the party. The group warned the Commission against recognising Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman while the matter remains unresolved in court.

However, a separate letter from Summit Law Chambers, acting on behalf of Gombe, urged INEC to enforce the Court of Appeal judgment by withdrawing recognition from Senator Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The law firm also demanded the removal of their names from INEC’s official records and advised the Commission to stop engaging with them.

The situation escalated further when, in another correspondence dated March 27, 2026, Summit Law Chambers accused INEC of disobeying court orders. The firm alleged that the Commission had continued to interact with Mark’s faction, including inviting the group to a meeting of political parties and monitoring a National Executive Committee meeting convened by them.

INEC, in its response, pointed to the Court of Appeal ruling, which dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator Mark. The court directed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending the final determination of the case before the Federal High Court. It also ordered an accelerated hearing, noting the urgency created by preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The Commission traced the root of the crisis to internal changes within the ADC leadership in 2025. It noted that the current National Working Committee emerged from a National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, after the resignation of the former leadership led by Ralph Okey Nwosu.

Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, who was then the National Vice Chairman, argued that he never resigned from his position. Based on the party’s constitution, he claimed he should automatically assume leadership following the chairman’s exit.

This disagreement led him to file a suit at the Federal High Court on September 2, 2025, seeking to restrain Mark’s group from acting as party leaders and to compel INEC to recognise him.

INEC also disclosed that it had earlier uploaded the names of the National Working Committee led by Senator Mark to its portal on September 9, 2025, following a formal request received days earlier. However, the Commission said the ongoing legal battle has now forced it to reverse that action.

Haruna stated: “After considering the judgment and all relevant processes, the Commission resolved to maintain the situation as it existed before 2nd September 2025, when the suit was filed.

“It also resolved to refrain from taking any action that could undermine the proceedings before the Federal High Court.

“The Commission declined the request to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of the party pending the court’s decision.”

INEC further announced that it will no longer entertain communications from any of the rival factions on party matters until the court delivers a final judgment. It added that it would not monitor any meeting, congress, or convention organised by either group during this period.

In line with the court directive, the Commission confirmed that it has begun the process of removing the names of the current National Working Committee led by Senator Mark from its official portal.

The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality and strict adherence to the rule of law. It also called on political actors to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.