INEC Removes David Mark-Led ADC Leadership from Portal, Cites Court Order

INEC Removes David Mark-Led ADC Leadership from Portal, Cites Court Order

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark from its official portal, citing the need to comply with a Court of Appeal ruling and maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a leadership dispute within the party.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

INEC said its action followed the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which directed parties in the dispute to maintain the *status quo ante bellum* and refrain from actions that could prejudice the ongoing case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The commission explained that the removal of the names of the party’s current leadership from its portal was in line with the court’s order to preserve the situation as it existed before the suit was filed.

“The names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark would be removed from the Commission’s portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court,” the statement said.

INEC disclosed that it had received conflicting correspondences from parties involved in the leadership tussle, including legal representatives of Mark’s group and those of Nafiu Bala Gombe, both laying claim to the leadership of the party and seeking recognition.

While one party urged the commission not to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending suit, the other demanded enforcement of the appellate court judgment, including the cessation of recognition of Mark and his executive.

The electoral body said it carefully reviewed the judgment of the Court of Appeal alongside processes filed before the Federal High Court and concluded that maintaining neutrality and preserving the existing legal position was the most appropriate course of action.

INEC also clarified that it would not recognise any faction or entertain further correspondence relating to the party’s leadership until the court delivers a final ruling on the matter.

“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention… until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court,” it stated.

The commission further rejected a request to allow Gombe to assume leadership of the party on an interim basis, insisting that doing so would amount to taking sides in a matter already before the court.

INEC noted that the dispute dates back to the resignation of the previous party leadership in July 2025 and the subsequent emergence of a new executive led by Mark, which was later challenged in court by Gombe.

The Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and ordered accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, while directing all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the judicial process.

INEC emphasised that its decisions were guided strictly by the need to comply with judicial pronouncements and protect the integrity of the legal process.

“The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict compliance with judicial orders,” the statement added.

It also urged political parties and stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The commission warned that any attempt to escalate the dispute outside the legal framework could affect the electoral timetable and undermine democratic processes.