The Independent National Electoral Commission said Tuesday it will not recognize either faction in the African Democratic Congress’ leadership dispute and will remove Senator David Mark’s National Working Committee from its portal, holding to the status quo before a September 2025 lawsuit. INEC will neither monitor ADC meetings nor accept correspondence from the party until the Federal High Court rules, citing the Court of Appeal’s order to avoid foisting a fait accompli.
The row pits Mark whose team took over after ADC’s exco resigned in July 2025 and was uploaded by INEC on Sept 9 against Vice‑Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, who insists he automatically became acting chairman and sued on Sept 2 to stop INEC from dealing with Mark’s group. The Court of Appeal on March 12 dismissed Mark’s interlocutory appeal and ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, prompting rival letters to INEC demanding enforcement.
INEC says it will stand aside from ADC affairs until litigation ends, warning parties not to jeopardize the 2027 electoral calendar.
