The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official portal to reflect changes in the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), effectively removing the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark.
The move signals INEC’s recognition of the deepening leadership crisis within the party, following a review of recent court rulings and ongoing legal proceedings.
According to the commission, the decision was taken after examining a judgment of the Court of Appeal and a pending suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC noted that it received conflicting submissions from two rival factions within the party, each laying claim to its leadership.
One faction, loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the appellate court’s ruling, which includes withdrawing recognition from the Mark-led NWC. The opposing camp, aligned with Mark, cautioned INEC against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman, citing the subsisting case before the Federal High Court.
The crisis dates back to July 2025, when the ADC’s previous leadership stepped down, leading to the emergence of a new executive committee headed by Mark. However, Gombe, a former vice national chairman of the party, challenged the process, insisting that the party’s constitution entitles him to assume leadership.
In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, the condition that existed before the dispute pending the determination of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court.
INEC’s latest action appears to align with that directive, as the commission seeks to avoid taking sides while complying with judicial pronouncements.
Political observers say the development could have significant implications for the ADC’s internal stability and its preparations ahead of future elections, particularly as the party continues to position itself within Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape.
As of press time, there has been no unified position from the party, while both factions continue to assert legitimacy over the party’s leadership structure.