INEC Suspends Recognition of ADC Leadership Amid Deepening Crisis, Deletes David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from Official Records

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a decisive step in response to the escalating leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), removing the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.

In a move that underscores the severity of the internal dispute, the electoral body also declared that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be affirmed as national chairman through ongoing court proceedings.

INEC announced on Wednesday that it has suspended recognition of all factions within the ADC and will refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders. The commission clarified that this position will remain in effect pending the final determination of a substantive suit currently before the Federal High Court.

The decision comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership tussle within the party, further complicated by a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which has added another layer of legal uncertainty to the already tense situation.

In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality in the face of the crisis. He called on political stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining preparations for the 2027 general elections.

INEC further disclosed that it had received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, cautioning the commission against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while legal proceedings remain unresolved.

In contrast, the commission also confirmed receipt of a separate demand for enforcement from Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, which urged the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s records and called on the commission to cease all engagements with them or any activities carried out under their authority.

These conflicting legal pressures from rival factions have significantly deepened the ADC’s internal crisis, prompting INEC to suspend all official dealings with the contending groups until the judiciary delivers a final ruling on the matter.