The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced it will no longer recognise or engage with either faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark or Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The decision follows a review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, which dismissed an appeal filed by David Mark and ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive case at the Federal High Court.
INEC said it will also stop monitoring any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by either group and has moved to remove the names of the David Mark-led leadership from its official portal.
The crisis stems from a leadership tussle within the ADC after the resignation of the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee in July 2025, which paved the way for David Mark’s emergence as interim national chairman.
However, former Vice National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenged this arrangement in court, insisting he should have automatically assumed leadership of the party.
Gombe subsequently filed a suit at the Federal High Court seeking to restrain INEC from recognising Mark’s faction, a move that triggered a prolonged legal battle.
With the Court of Appeal upholding the need to preserve the situation as it was before the case was filed, INEC says it will remain neutral and avoid taking any action that could influence the outcome of the case.
The electoral body insists it will only recognise a legitimate leadership once the court delivers a final judgment.
