The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will remove the names of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark from its official portal, following a Court of Appeal order.
INEC said this in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that it would return to the situation that existed before the dispute until a pending case at the Federal High Court in Abuja is decided.
This comes as the ADC continues to face a leadership crisis, with rival factions loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe and David Mark each claiming control of the party’s national leadership.
The commission noted that the Court of Appeal, in a ruling on March 12, 2026, instructed all parties to maintain the status quo and avoid any action that could affect the outcome of the case.
“That the Commission would, in accordance with the Order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court, having regard to all the processes filed before the trial Court,” the statement said.
INEC added that although it uploaded the names of the current NWC members on September 9, 2025, the leadership challenge had already been filed in court on September 2, 2025.
As a result, the commission said it would now fully comply with the appellate court’s order by removing the names until the court delivers a final judgment.
“Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025 by INEC (7 days after the suit was instituted), the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court,” INEC stated.
The commission also rejected a request from Bala’s faction to recognise him as acting national chairman, warning that doing so would go against the court’s order.
Furthermore, INEC said it would halt all dealings with the party’s factions, including monitoring meetings, congresses, or conventions, until the legal matter is resolved.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” the statement added.
Reiterating its neutrality, INEC stressed that it will strictly follow court orders and cautioned political actors against actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ongoing crisis in the ADC has triggered multiple court cases, with competing factions seeking legal approval to control the party’s leadership.
