INEC delists Mark, Aregbesola as ADC crisis deepens

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively, in a move that underscores the deepening leadership crisis within the party.

The commission also declined to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to emerge as national chairman through ongoing legal proceedings, stating that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party.

INEC further announced that it would refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the contending leaders until the courts resolve the dispute. The decision, it said, would remain in force “pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.”

The development follows a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which has further complicated the ADC’s internal wrangling.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stressed the commission’s neutrality amid the crisis. He said the commission “remains committed to neutrality,” while urging political actors to avoid actions capable of disrupting preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The electoral body disclosed that it had received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, cautioning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while legal proceedings are ongoing.

It also confirmed receiving a separate “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, which called for the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s records and urged the commission to cease recognising any activities conducted under their authority.

According to INEC, the conflicting legal demands from rival factions have intensified the crisis within the party, necessitating its decision to halt all official engagements with the ADC until the courts deliver a final judgment.