April 01, (THEWILL) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially taken a neutral stance in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), de-listing the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) from its official portal and refraining from recognising any faction until the substantive case before the Federal High Court is determined. The action is in strict compliance with a Court of Appeal order delivered on March 12, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026.
A statement signed on Wednesday by the INEC National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said its position follows a series of correspondences from legal representatives of the contending factions, as well as the Commission’s consideration of the appellate court’s judgement, which dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator David Mark and issued preservatory orders directing all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025.
According to INEC, the Court of Appeal further directed that parties refrain from taking actions capable of prejudicing the proceedings or foisting a fait accompli on the trial court, while it also ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive matter before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
INEC said it carefully examined letters from the law firm of Suleiman Usman SAN & Co. and Summit Law Chambers, which presented opposing claims over the leadership of the ADC and urged the Commission either not to recognise Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman or to enforce the appellate court’s orders by recognising his position and removing Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from official recognition.
The Commission noted that the dispute arises from ongoing litigation at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe is seeking, among other reliefs, an order restraining recognition of Senator David Mark’s faction and requesting INEC to recognise him as acting National Chairman of the party.
INEC further observed that the matter has been accompanied by multiple motions and counter-motions, as well as allegations of non-compliance with court orders relating to party meetings, congresses, and National Executive Committee activities.
At its meeting held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Commission resolved to strictly comply with the Court of Appeal’s directive and maintain the status quo ante bellum as it existed prior to September 2, 2025, when the substantive suit was instituted.
Consequently, INEC stated that it would refrain from taking any step capable of altering the existing situation or interfering with the judicial process, adding that it would not recognise or act on any fresh claims from either faction pending the determination of the case.
In line with the appellate court’s preservatory orders, the Commission confirmed that the names of the current National Working Committee members earlier uploaded to its portal on September 9, 2025, including those associated with Senator David Mark’s leadership structure, would be removed in order to preserve the status quo ante bellum.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups relating to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja”, INEC stated.
The electoral body emphasised that its actions do not amount to a determination of the merits of the dispute, but are strictly to comply with binding judicial directives and preserve the integrity of the adjudication process.
Reaffirming its neutrality, INEC urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine the electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections.
“The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict compliance with judicial orders”, it said.
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