The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of the National Working Committee members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal, effectively placing the opposition party’s leadership in a state of administrative limbo. The commission’s decision follows a complex legal dispute over the party’s chairmanship, which has triggered sharp reactions from high-ranking party members and stakeholders.+1
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, INEC announced its resolve to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” regarding the leadership of the ADC. This move was made in compliance with a March 12 judgment from the Court of Appeal in the case of Senator David Mark v. Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors. By reverting to the state of affairs as they existed before September 2, 2025, the commission has effectively withdrawn recognition from the faction led by Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.+1
The leadership vacuum stems from a rift that began in July 2025 following the resignation of the previous executive committee led by Ralph Okey Nwosu. While Senator David Mark’s group assumed control shortly thereafter, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, the former National Vice Chairman, challenged the transition. Gombe maintains that he never resigned and should have assumed the acting chairmanship per the party’s constitution.+2
In its official statement, INEC noted that it had received conflicting demands from two separate law firms representing the warring factions. Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., representing various stakeholders, cautioned against recognizing Gombe, while Summit Law Chambers, acting for Gombe, insisted that the commission enforce the appellate court’s order by ceasing to recognize the Mark-led executive.+1
“The Commission will not receive further communication from, or deal with, any of the contending groups on matters relating to the party’s affairs,” the statement read. Furthermore, INEC confirmed it would not monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions convened by either faction of the ADC until the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers a final ruling on the substantive suit.
The decision has sparked a wave of condemnation from ADC chieftains. Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent party member and veteran actor, characterized the move as “absurd,” arguing that the commission is misinterpreting the judicial directive. Okonkwo contended that Hon. Gombe had previously resigned in writing and that INEC’s refusal to recognize the established leadership of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola threatens the party’s ability to participate in the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle.
Human rights activist and ADC supporter Aisha Yesufu expressed concern over the timing of the decision, suggesting that the move could be an attempt to destabilize a credible opposition force. She stressed that the court’s order to maintain the status quo should not have resulted in the total removal of leadership names from the portal, which she argued creates unnecessary panic among party faithful.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, also criticized the interpretation of the legal term “status quo ante bellum” by the current INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan. Dalung argued that the directive should have restored the party to its functional state before the litigation commenced rather than stripping it of all recognized leadership.
Conversely, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally denied any involvement in the ADC’s internal crisis. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC dismissed allegations of interference, describing the ADC’s current predicament as a self-inflicted consequence of internal mismanagement.
The administrative freeze occurs at a critical juncture for the ADC, as the party was preparing to hold its scheduled congresses and national convention. With INEC refusing to monitor these events, the legal validity of any new party executives emerged from such gatherings remains in doubt. Legal observers expect an accelerated hearing at the Federal High Court to provide clarity before the electoral timetable progresses further.
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