The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has exploded into a full-blown one as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yanks off the National Working Committee led by David Mark from its official portal.
In a decision on Wednesday, the electoral body said it was acting on a Court of Appeal order, restoring the situation to how it was before the bitter leadership tussle tore the party apart.
The action comes amid a fierce power struggle between rival camps led by Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, both battling for control of the party’s national structure.
INEC made it clear the court’s ruling, delivered on March 12, 2026, leaves no room for interference or manipulation of the process.
“That the Commission would, in accordance with the Order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court, having regard to all the processes filed before the trial Court,”the statement read.
The commission disclosed that although the Mark-led NWC was uploaded on its portal on September 9, 2025, the move came after the legal battle had already begun—forcing a rollback to comply with the court.
“Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025 by INEC (7 days after the suit was instituted), the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court,” INEC said.
In a further twist, INEC shut down attempts by Bala’s faction to gain recognition, refusing to acknowledge him as acting national chairman.
Then came the knockout punch—the commission slammed a total freeze on all dealings with the embattled party, halting recognition of meetings, congresses, and conventions until the courts settle the dispute.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” it added.
With legal fireworks still raging, INEC insists it will stay neutral and stick strictly to the rule of law, even as the ADC crisis deepens and threatens its readiness for the 2027 political battlefield.
