Trouble may be looming as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to remove the names of National Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, and the party’s National Secretary, former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, from its official portal as leaders of the emerging main opposition party.
INEC pointed to a subsisting court dispute over the party’s leadership as reason.
The electoral body also declared that it would suspend recognition of any faction or leadership of the ADC pending the final determination of the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The decision was contained in a statement issued today by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
INEC said the move followed “preservatory orders” issued by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 involving Senator Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
According to the commission, “the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark… would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum.”
The commission explained that the court had directed all parties to maintain the existing situation before the suit was filed and to refrain from actions that could undermine the ongoing proceedings.
“Parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step… capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court,” INEC quoted from the appellate court ruling.
The electoral umpire added that it received conflicting legal communications from parties involved in the dispute, with one faction warning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting Chairman, while another demanded full enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment.
Amid the legal tussle, the commission said it would no longer engage with any faction of the ADC.
“The commission shall not… receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups… and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group,” the statement added.
INEC also rejected a request to recognise Gombe as acting National Chairman pending the outcome of the case.
Reaffirming its stance, the commission stressed its commitment to neutrality and adherence to judicial orders.
“Political parties and stakeholders are urged to conduct themselves in a manner that does not jeopardise the Electoral Time Table for the 2027 General Election,” the statement said.
The leadership crisis within the ADC has emerged from a dispute over succession following the resignation of former party executives, with several factions now laying claim to control of the party.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Sen. Mark (left) and Aregbesola.
