RismadarVoice Reporters, April 2, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resolved to remove the names of the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal and suspend all dealings with factions of the party pending the determination of an ongoing court case.
This follows conflicting claims over the leadership of the party and a recent Court of Appeal judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 involving Senator David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In a statement issued on April 1, 2026, INEC said it had received separate communications from legal representatives of both parties—one urging the Commission not to recognize Nafiu Gombe as acting national chairman, and another demanding enforcement of a Court of Appeal ruling against the recognition of David Mark’s leadership.
The Commission noted that the appellate court, in its March 12, 2026 judgment, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Reacting to the development, INEC said it would strictly comply with the court’s directive by reverting to the situation that existed before the suit was filed on September 2, 2025.
As part of its resolutions, the Commission announced that it would:
• Remove the names of the current NWC led by Senator David Mark from its portal
• Decline recognition of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman
• Suspend all interactions with any faction of the ADC
• Refrain from monitoring or recognizing any party meetings, congresses, or conventions
INEC stressed that the decision was necessary to avoid taking any action that could prejudice the ongoing court proceedings.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court,” the statement said.
The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and strict adherence to judicial orders, urging political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
