ADC Crisis Deepens as INEC Moves to Maintain Status Quo Amid Leadership Dispute
The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has further escalated following a decisive move by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and uphold the status quo in the party’s leadership tussle.
In a detailed press release issued on April 1, 2026, INEC confirmed it had received conflicting legal communications from parties involved in the leadership dispute—one backing Senator David Mark’s faction and another supporting Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe’s claim to the party’s national chairmanship.
The development stems from the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Senator David Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
Conflicting Claims Deepen Crisis
While a legal team representing stakeholders within the ADC cautioned INEC against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman due to an ongoing suit, counsel to Gombe insisted that the appellate court’s ruling invalidates the leadership of Senator Mark and demanded enforcement of the judgment.
The Gombe camp also accused INEC of disobeying court orders by engaging with the Mark-led faction, including inviting the group to a political parties’ meeting and monitoring its National Executive Committee (NEC) gathering.
INEC Stands Ground
After reviewing the court ruling and all legal processes, INEC resolved to maintain the situation as it existed before September 2, 2025—the date the suit challenging the party’s leadership was filed.
As part of its decision:
- INEC declined to recognise Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman pending the court’s final ruling.
- The Commission announced it would no longer engage with either faction on party matters.
- It also stated it would not monitor or recognise any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by any group within the ADC.
- Crucially, INEC disclosed that the names of the current National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark—previously uploaded to its portal—will be removed to comply with the appellate court’s directive.
Legal Background
The crisis traces back to the resignation of the former ADC leadership in July 2025, which led to the emergence of a new National Working Committee headed by Senator Mark. However, Gombe, who served as Vice National Chairman, challenged the process, claiming he never resigned and should automatically assume leadership based on the party’s constitution.
He subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to restrain INEC from recognising Mark’s leadership and to affirm his own position as acting chairman.
The Court of Appeal, in its ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and directed all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the judicial process.
Implications for 2027 Elections
INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality, warning that any actions by political actors capable of disrupting the electoral process would not be tolerated.
The Commission also urged all stakeholders to act responsibly, noting that the ongoing dispute must not jeopardise preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The unfolding situation signals a deepening fracture within the ADC, with the final resolution now resting on the Federal High Court’s determination of the substantive case.