The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling, accusing the electoral body of acting under pressure from a government it claims is unsettled by growing opposition momentum.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with the facts. It is alleged that the commission has effectively taken sides against Nigerians, warning that such actions could undermine democratic processes.
The ADC said it is reviewing its options and will announce its next steps, urging members and supporters to remain calm and steadfast.
INEC’s decision follows its resolution on April 1, 2026, to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute within the party, in compliance with the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v. Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors.
The commission said the decision was reached after reviewing the appellate court’s judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, alongside the ongoing case before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Dispute and legal context
INEC disclosed that it had earlier received conflicting communications dated March 16, 2026, from two law firms representing opposing interests within the ADC.
Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., acting on behalf of concerned stakeholders, advised the commission not to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman while the matter remains before the Federal High Court.
Conversely, Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, urged INEC to enforce the Court of Appeal judgment by withdrawing recognition of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, and removing their names from its portal.
The Court of Appeal, in its ruling, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator Mark and directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court. It also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and cautioned parties against actions that could prejudice proceedings.
INEC’s position
The commission noted that the current National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC emerged from a National Executive Council meeting held on July 29, 2025, following the resignation of the previous executive led by Ralph Okey Nwosu.
It explained that Nafiu Bala Gombe, then Vice National Chairman, maintains he did not resign and should assume leadership in line with the party’s constitution. He subsequently filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 on September 2, 2025, seeking to restrain the group led by Senator Mark and compel INEC to recognise him as Acting National Chairman.
INEC added that the names of the NWC led by Senator Mark were uploaded to its portal on September 9, 2025, following a request received on September 4, 2025.
After reviewing all submissions, the commission resolved to revert to the situation that existed before September 2, 2025, when the suit was instituted. It also declined to recognise Gombe as Acting National Chairman pending the court’s final determination.
The commission further stated that it will not engage with any of the contending factions on party matters, nor monitor any meetings, congresses or conventions convened by either group until the case is resolved.
In line with its decision to maintain the status quo, INEC confirmed it has removed the names of the current NWC members led by Senator Mark from its portal.
The commission reiterated its commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to court orders, while urging political actors to act responsibly ahead of preparations for the 2027 general election.
