The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have protested the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and others.
INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday.
It hinged its decision on a court order which directed the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of David Mark’s leadership of the opposition party.
Reacting, the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi and his PDP counterpart, Ini Ememobong, insisted that the development was a calculated attempt to undermine democratic structures, alleging the involvement of the APC government and urging supporters to mobilise in defence of democratic principles.
Also, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Obi’s support group, Yunusa Tanko, warned that INEC’s decision is a recipe for crisis, adding that there might be a catastrophic consequence if the commission chooses to be partisan.
On Wednesday, the electoral commission removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal, delisting them as the national chairman and national secretary of the ADC, respectively.
The commission also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who approached the court seeking to be declared the national chairman.
Haruna explained that the commission had been inundated with conflicting legal demands from opposing camps, each laying claims to the party’s leadership and seeking official recognition.
INEC disclosed that it received a letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., cautioning it against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending court case, specifically referring to ongoing litigation, and a counter-letter from Summit Law Chambers demanding enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment, which they argue affirms Gombe’s position.
The electoral body explained that, “the letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co urged the commission not to recognise Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress on account of the pending Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, while the letter from Summit Law Chambers, on the other hand, attached the certified True Copy of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors and requested the commission to enforce the judgement of the Court of Appeal, including: Ceasing recognition of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively of ADC; Removing their names from the Commission’s portal; and refraining from dealing with or recognising any actions taken by them in respect of the party in line with the preservation orders made by the Court of Appeal.”
INEC said Summit Law Chambers accused it of disregarding court orders by engaging with David Mark’s faction, alleging that the commission invited the group to a meeting and monitored its activities.
The chambers also called for several actions, including invalidating the group’s NEC meeting, removing its name from INEC’s portal, and allowing Gombe to take control of the party pending the court’s final decision.
However, INEC maintained that its actions were strictly based on the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, which dismissed Mark’s interlocutory appeal and issued preservative orders.
Quoting the appellate court, the commission stated, “Finally, it is necessary to make preservatory orders to ensure that the subject matter of the dispute pending before the trial court is not prejudiced, as courts have inherent powers to control and regulate proceedings to ensure justice.
“That suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, be and is hereby granted an accelerated hearing in view of the Electoral Time Table released by the 4th Respondent.”
The court in its decision had also ordered, “That the parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall 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.”
INEC, in its observations, traced the dispute to the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by David Mark following a National Executive Council meeting in July 2025, after the resignation of the previous executive.
The commission explained that Gombe, who was then Vice-National Chairman, rejected the process and insisted that he should automatically assume leadership, which led him to file Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 at the Federal High Court.
INEC noted that “ Nafiu Bala Gombe, who was the Vice-National Chairman, denied he ever resigned from the party and claimed that following the resignation of the chairman of the party, Mr Ralph Okey Nwosu, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, automatically ought to take over as the chairman of the party.”
The commission added that Gombe sought multiple court orders, including “An order restraining INEC from recognising, dealing with or continuing to deal with the 2nd and 3rd Defendants as the national chairman and secretary” and “an order directing INEC to recognise the Plaintiff as the acting national chairman.”
After reviewing all legal processes and the appellate court’s judgment, INEC said it reached a decisive resolution at its meeting on March 31, 2026.
The commission declared, “To maintain the status quo ante bellum as directed by the Court of Appeal based on the facts and position of the parties existing before 2nd September 2026, when the case was filed by the plaintiff.
“That the commission would 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.”
Rejecting Gombe’s request to assume interim control, INEC stated, “The commission refused to accede to the request of the Plaintiff’s Solicitors to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of ADC pending the determination of the case.”
INEC also announced a complete suspension of engagement with all factions of the ADC.
“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the African Democratic Congress by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja.”
Additionally, the electoral body ordered the removal of the current leadership names from its official portal, stating, “Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025, 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.”
The PUNCH