INEC Halts Recognition of ADC Factions Amid Leadership Dispute
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of recognition for all factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following an ongoing leadership struggle now being adjudicated in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Commission Acts in Response to Court Order
INEC confirmed that it has removed the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Senator David Mark, from its official portal. This action aligns with a recent court order mandating all involved parties to uphold the status quo while the matter is resolved in court.
Leadership Crisis Unfolding Since 2025
This situation represents a significant escalation in a long-standing internal crisis within the ADC, which began mid-2025 due to a contentious leadership change. The turmoil was triggered by the resignation of the NWC under Mr. Ralph Okye Nwosu, a move that received approval during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025. Following this, a new leadership faction emerged, seemingly aligning with former Senate President, Senator David Mark.
Challenges to Leadership Transition
Immediately following this transition, Hong Jeong, the party’s deputy national chairman, voiced strong objections. Concurrently, Nafiu Bala Gombe contested the leadership change, claiming he had neither resigned nor surrendered his position. He argued that, per the party’s internal guidelines and constitutional provisions, he was entitled to assume the role of acting national chairman upon Nwosu’s departure. The resulting power struggles polarized stakeholders and led to simultaneous claims of authority.
Court Proceedings and Legal Challenges Escalate
In September 2025, Gombe took decisive action by filing a lawsuit in the Federal High Court, seeking an injunction to bar Mark’s faction from claiming legitimacy and demanding that INEC recognize him as the acting national chairman. Despite the ongoing legal battle, INEC listed Mark’s NWC on its portal on September 9, 2025, thereby worsening the dispute and prompting a series of legal retaliations from both sides.
Appeals Court Intervenes in the Dispute
The conflict escalated to the Court of Appeal, which, in a ruling issued on March 12, 2026, dismissed the interlocutory appeal presented by Mark’s faction and called for an expedited hearing of the primary case. Importantly, the appellate court instructed all parties involved to maintain the pre-litigation status until a final judgment was made, a decision that has influenced INEC’s subsequent actions.
INEC Addresses Conflicting Claims Among Factions
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC’s National Chairman, outlined that the commission’s actions were the result of a thorough examination of the Court of Appeal’s judgment and the ongoing legal proceedings. He highlighted the conflicting legal communications received from representatives of Senators David Mark and John Johnson, both of whom claim to be the rightful leaders of the ADC.
Commission Reiterates Neutrality and Calls for Stability
INEC has resolved to refrain from engaging with competing ADC factions, nor will it oversee any congresses or meetings put forth by groups asserting authority on the party’s behalf. The commission emphasized that its decisions reflect the Court of Appeal’s directive and reiterated its commitment to neutrality as preparations ramp up for the upcoming 2027 general elections. INEC cautioned all political actors against actions that could disturb the electoral process, asserting that the integrity of the electoral system must remain intact.
