Juliet Ezeh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a far-reaching decision that could reshape the future of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), removing its entire national leadership from official records and effectively crippling the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a major development announced on Wednesday, INEC confirmed it has deleted the names of the party’s National Working Committee, including those aligned with David Mark, from its portal in compliance with a ruling by the Court of Appeal.
The Commission said the action was necessary to restore the status quo that existed before the leadership dispute escalated into a legal battle.
With this move, the ADC is left without officially recognised national officers, creating a leadership vacuum that could stall its political activities at a critical time when parties are beginning early alignments ahead of the next general elections.
INEC further declared that it will not recognise any group or faction claiming authority over the party, effectively shutting down all administrative and political processes within the ADC until the courts resolve the dispute.
The crisis stems from a prolonged leadership tussle between factions loyal to David Mark and those backing Nafiu Bala Gombe, both laying claim to the party’s top position.
Despite pressure from Gombe’s camp to be recognised as acting national chairman, INEC refused, insisting that doing so would violate existing court orders and interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings.
The Court of Appeal had earlier ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and avoid actions that could undermine the case before the Federal High Court, while also granting accelerated hearing due to the electoral timetable.
INEC emphasised that its latest action is aimed at preserving the integrity of the judicial process, even as it warned that no meetings, congresses, or conventions conducted by any faction of the ADC will be recognised.
The development raises serious concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections, as the absence of a recognised leadership structure could limit its ability to organise primaries, submit candidates, or participate effectively in the electoral process.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, stressing that all stakeholders must allow the courts to determine the rightful leadership of the party.
