By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resolved to remove the names of Senator David Mark and members of his National Working Committee from its portal and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) until the leadership crisis in the party is resolved by the Federal High Court.
The Commission made this position known in a statement issued on Wednesday following a meeting held on Tuesday. INEC said the decision was taken to strictly comply with the preservatory orders of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors, which directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
The Court of Appeal had on 12th March, 2026 dismissed Senator David Mark’s interlocutory appeal and ordered that no party should take any step capable of foisting a fait accompli on the trial court or rendering the substantive suit nugatory. The substantive matter, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, is still pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC explained that it had earlier uploaded the names of Senator David Mark’s National Working Committee on its portal on 9th September, 2025. It has now decided to remove those names in order to maintain the status quo that existed before the suit was filed on 2nd September, 2025.
The Commission also stated that it will refrain from receiving further communication or dealing with any group or faction of the ADC until the court determines the leadership question. Consequently, INEC will not monitor or observe any congress, convention or meeting convened by any faction of the party.
INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality and strict compliance with judicial orders, urging all political parties and stakeholders to avoid actions that could jeopardise the electoral timetable for the 2027 General Elections. The Commission appealed to the parties to allow the court to resolve the dispute without interference.
The leadership crisis in the ADC escalated after the resignation of the former National Chairman, Mr Ralph Okey Nwosu, leading to competing claims between Senator David Mark’s group and that of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe. The matter remains before the Federal High Court for accel
erated hearing.
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