ADC crisis deepens as INEC removes Mark, Aregbesola from records, freezes party recognition

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally struck out the names of former Senate President, David Mark, and ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively, amid the intensifying leadership crisis rocking the party.

Beyond removing the duo from its records, the Commission announced that it has suspended recognition of all factions within the ADC, effectively halting official dealings with any of the contending groups until the courts resolve the dispute over the party’s leadership.

INEC also clarified that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is laying claim to the position of National Chairman through ongoing legal processes, stressing that the leadership question remains subject to judicial determination.

The Commission disclosed its position in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who reiterated the electoral body’s commitment to neutrality and strict adherence to the rule of law.

According to INEC, the decision to delist Mark and Aregbesola, and to suspend recognition of all party factions, will remain in force pending the final determination of a substantive suit currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Commission explained that the development is linked to the protracted leadership tussle within the ADC, which has been further complicated by a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026.

INEC revealed that it had received conflicting legal correspondences from opposing factions within the party, each urging the Commission to act in line with their respective interpretations of the law.

One of such letters, dated March 16, 2026, was submitted by Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., which cautioned the Commission against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman while the matter remains before the court.

In contrast, Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, also wrote to INEC demanding the enforcement of the Court of Appeal judgment. The firm called for the removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from the Commission’s records and urged INEC to cease all engagements with their faction.

Faced with these conflicting legal demands, INEC said it opted to take a neutral stance by suspending recognition of all parties involved in the dispute, pending a definitive ruling by the court.

The Commission further stated that it would refrain from monitoring or recognising any conventions, congresses, or meetings organised by any of the factions claiming leadership of the ADC during this period.

Observers say the move effectively places the party in a state of administrative limbo, as none of the rival groups can now lay claim to official recognition by the electoral umpire.

INEC also urged political actors and stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining the legal process or disrupting preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The latest development underscores the deepening internal crisis within the ADC, as the battle for control intensifies in both legal and political arenas, with the final outcome now hinging on the decision of the Federal High Court.