The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced it will maintain the status quo in the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

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In a statement issued on April 1, 2026, and signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission confirmed it had received conflicting legal communications from representatives of both Nafiu Bala Gombe and David Mark over the party’s leadership.

Court Ruling Sparks Dispute

The controversy stems from the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, in a case between Senator David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe. The appellate court dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The court also directed accelerated hearing of the case and warned against any actions that could undermine the proceedings.

Conflicting Demands to INEC

Following the judgment, INEC received letters from both camps. Lawyers representing Gombe urged the Commission to enforce the appellate court’s orders by withdrawing recognition of Senator Mark and his team as ADC national officers.

They also accused INEC of disobeying court orders by engaging with Mark’s faction, including inviting them to a stakeholders’ meeting and monitoring their activities.

On the other hand, counsel to Mark’s group cautioned INEC against recognising Gombe, citing a pending suit before the Federal High Court challenging the party’s leadership.

INEC’s Position

After reviewing the legal filings and court ruling, INEC resolved to:

  • Maintain the leadership structure that existed before September 2, 2025, when the suit was filed
  • Remove the names of the current National Working Committee led by Senator Mark from its official portal
  • Decline requests to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman
  • Suspend all dealings with any faction of the ADC pending the court’s final decision
  • Refrain from monitoring or recognising any party meetings, congresses, or conventions

The Commission emphasized that these steps are necessary to avoid actions that could prejudice the court process.

Background to the Crisis

The dispute originated after the resignation of former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu and the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Senator Mark in July 2025.

However, Gombe, who was then Vice National Chairman, contested the development, claiming he never resigned and should automatically assume leadership in line with the party’s constitution.

He subsequently approached the Federal High Court seeking recognition as acting chairman and an injunction restraining INEC from dealing with Mark’s faction.

Commitment to Neutrality

INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality, stressing that it will strictly comply with judicial directives while the matter remains before the court.

The Commission also urged political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.