April 02, (THEWILL) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its resilience and growing political strength, urging members nationwide to remain united and focused despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to de-recognise the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark.
A statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected INEC’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling, describing the commission’s position as inconsistent while maintaining that the party’s upward trajectory remains intact.
“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 even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” Abdullahi said.
He further described INEC’s position as contradictory, insisting that the facts of the case do not support the commission’s conclusions.
“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason.
“We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he added.
Despite the dispute, Abdullahi struck an optimistic tone, stressing that the party remains strong and is gaining momentum across the country.
He assured members that the leadership is exploring all available legal and constitutional options and will soon announce its next steps.
“Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising,” he declared, calling on party faithful to remain resolute.
The ADC’s response followed an earlier announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, through its Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, that the commission would cease recognising and engaging with both factions of the party pending the resolution of the leadership dispute in court.
INEC said it would also suspend monitoring of activities by both groups, citing the need to maintain neutrality and comply strictly with judicial directives.
According to the commission, the crisis originated from developments following the resignation of former national chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu.
A National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, ratified Mark’s leadership, but Nafiu Bala Gombe contested the decision, arguing that he should have automatically assumed leadership.
Gombe subsequently filed a suit at the Federal High Court on September 2, 2025. Although Mark’s faction challenged aspects of the case, the Court of Appeal, on March 12, 2026, dismissed the appeal and issued preservatory orders.
INEC said its decision to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” was aimed at avoiding any action that could prejudice the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Observers note that, despite the internal dispute, the ADC’s emphasis on unity, legal recourse, and institutional processes reflects a strengthening democratic culture within the party.
Many believe that how the party navigates the current challenge could ultimately position it as a more cohesive and credible force in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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