Court Stops INEC from Recognizing ADC Congresses Organised by Mark Group

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in state congresses organised by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the tenure of the party’s state working committees and executive committees remains valid until properly conducted congresses and a national convention are held.

The court ruled that the interim national leadership lacks the legal backing to set up committees for state congresses, stressing that neither Nigeria’s constitution nor that of the party grants such powers to a caretaker body.

The decision marks another twist in the prolonged leadership tussle within the opposition party, which has been entangled in legal disputes over control of its structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the heart of the crisis are rival claims to leadership between the Mark-led faction and another group aligned with Nafiu Bala, both sides insisting on legitimacy. The dispute has triggered multiple court cases and conflicting directives affecting the party’s operations nationwide.

The court of appeal had earlier ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the suit, a position that influenced INEC’s decision to step back from recognising any faction of the party.

Justice Abdulmalik, in the latest ruling, reaffirmed that the existing state structures of the party remain in place and cannot be displaced by actions of an interim leadership whose authority is still under judicial scrutiny.

The judgment effectively restrains INEC from monitoring or endorsing any congresses conducted under the disputed leadership, reinforcing the legal uncertainty surrounding the party’s internal processes.

The crisis within the ADC dates back to 2025, when a new national working committee emerged following internal realignments linked to efforts by opposition figures to build a coalition ahead of the next general elections.

However, disagreements over succession and procedure quickly escalated into a full-blown leadership battle, with factions seeking judicial intervention to assert control.

The situation worsened after INEC, citing a court order, removed the names of the Mark-led executives from its official portal and declined to recognise either faction pending the outcome of the case.

Amid the crisis, the Mark-led faction has repeatedly alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress is working behind the scenes to weaken opposition parties, including the ADC.

The faction has accused the government of attempting to manipulate political structures ahead of the 2027 polls, claims that have been firmly denied by the APC.

In response, the ruling party has insisted that the ADC’s troubles are self-inflicted, accusing its leadership of promoting conspiracy theories and failing to manage internal disagreements.

The back-and-forth has further deepened political tensions, with both sides trading accusations while legal proceedings continue to shape the party’s future.

Observers say the outcome of the ongoing litigation could determine whether the ADC remains a viable platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling party in the next election cycle.

For now, the latest court order adds to the constraints facing the party, particularly as timelines for party primaries and other pre-election activities begin to approach.

With INEC unable to engage with congresses organised by the disputed leadership, the ADC faces mounting pressure to resolve its internal crisis or risk being sidelined in preparations for the 2027 general elections.