ADC Crisis Boils Over: INEC Delists Leaders, Suspends Conventions; Party Cries Bias, Government Pressure
The crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Wednesday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) moved to strike out the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its records as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
INEC also announced that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to assume leadership of the party through the courts, while suspending recognition of all conventions and congresses organised by the Mark-Aregbesola faction pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
The commission said its decision followed the ongoing leadership tussle within the party and the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, noting that it would remain neutral and guided strictly by legal processes.
In a statement, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, reiterated the commission’s commitment to impartiality, urging political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC disclosed that it received multiple legal communications from opposing factions, including a notice from Suleiman Usman (SAN) & Co cautioning against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman, as well as a “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers seeking the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal.
The commission, however, declined the request by Gombe’s legal team to immediately recognise him as party leader, stating that the matter remains before the court and must be resolved through due process.
The development marks a new phase in the ADC’s internal crisis, with conflicting legal claims and court actions further complicating the party’s leadership structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Meanwhile, The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal of Nigeria ruling by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of acting under pressure from the government.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with the facts of the case.
The ADC alleged that the commission’s actions were influenced by a government unsettled by the opposition’s growing momentum, claiming there had been sustained efforts to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party system in Nigeria.
According to the party, INEC’s interpretation of the appellate court’s decision does not align with reason or available facts, adding that it would soon provide a detailed clarification of the issues involved.
The ADC further warned that INEC had effectively taken sides against Nigerians by aligning with the government, a move it said undermines public confidence in the electoral process.
The party disclosed that it is currently reviewing its options and will announce its next course of action in due time.
It also urged its members and the general public to remain resolute as the situation unfolds.
The statement read in part: “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum.
“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.
“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.”
The party concluded with a rallying message to supporters, asserting that both Nigeria and the ADC were on the rise.
