Our Reporter, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday said it would maintain the status quo in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, while suspending recognition of all factions in the party.
In a detailed press statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said its decision was guided by the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 involving David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
INEC disclosed that it had received conflicting legal communications from parties involved in the dispute over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, with one faction urging it not to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman, while another demanded enforcement of the appellate court’s ruling.
The commission noted that the Court of Appeal, in its March 12, 2026 judgment, 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.
According to INEC, the order effectively requires all sides to refrain from actions that could prejudice the ongoing case concerning the party’s leadership.
“Given the circumstances, the Commission resolved to maintain the status quo ante bellum as directed by the Court of Appeal,” the statement said.
As part of its resolutions reached at a meeting on March 31, INEC said it would remove from its portal the names of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mark, which had earlier been uploaded in September 2025.
The commission also rejected a request by Gombe’s camp to be recognised as acting national chairman pending the outcome of the case.
INEC further announced that it would suspend all official dealings with any faction of the party, including refusing to monitor or recognise any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by either group.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party… until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court,” it stated.
The electoral body explained that the leadership dispute stemmed from the resignation of the previous executive led by Ralph Nwosu and the subsequent emergence of a new NWC headed by Mark, a move contested by Gombe, who claims he should have automatically assumed leadership as the party’s vice-national chairman.
INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality and strict compliance with judicial pronouncements, urging political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The commission also emphasised the need for all stakeholders to respect the legal process as the substantive suit continues before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
