The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a freeze on all activities relating to the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following the Court of Appeal’s ruling in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 involving Senator David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In a press release issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said it has resolved to strictly comply with the preservatory orders of the Court of Appeal by maintaining the “status quo ante bellum” pending the final determination of the case before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
INEC disclosed that it received conflicting communications from both parties in the dispute.
While solicitors to concerned ADC stakeholders urged the Commission not to recognise Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman due to a pending suit, legal representatives of Gombe demanded enforcement of the appellate court judgment, including the cessation of recognition of Senator David Mark and the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The Commission noted that the Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator Mark and ordered parties to maintain the status quo, warning against any action that could prejudice the ongoing proceedings at the trial court.
Consequently, INEC said it has taken key decisions to ensure compliance with the court order. These include the removal of the names of the current National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark from its official portal, as well as a refusal to recognise any individual or group as the legitimate leadership of the ADC pending the outcome of the case
The Commission also stated that it would no longer receive communications from any faction of the party or monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised under the ADC umbrella until the Federal High Court delivers judgment on the matter.
INEC further rejected the request by Gombe’s legal team to allow him assume leadership of the party in an acting capacity, insisting that doing so would violate the directive to preserve the status quo.
The electoral body emphasized that its actions are guided by the need to avoid creating a “fait accompli” that could undermine judicial proceedings, reiterating its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
INEC urged all political actors and stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections.
