Nigeria’s electoral umpire has hit pause on all ADC activities as a fierce leadership battle heads to court.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will remove the National Working Committee led by David Mark from its portal and stop dealing with any faction of the African Democratic Congress until the courts decide who truly leads the party.
INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna explained that the move follows a Court of Appeal ruling directing all sides to maintain the status quo while the main case continues at the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The crisis stems from a leadership tussle after the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu. Nafiu Bala Gombe insists he should automatically take over, while Mark’s camp claims legitimacy from a NEC meeting held in July 2025.
Conflicting legal letters from both camps pushed INEC to step back completely. The commission says it will not recognise, receive letters from, or monitor meetings, congresses or conventions organised by any faction until the court gives a final verdict.
INEC also rejected calls to immediately recognise Gombe, stressing that its priority is neutrality and strict obedience to court orders as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election.
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