ADC Leadership Row: INEC Rejects Gombe, Deletes David Mark’s Name, Cites Court Order

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to recognise Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing ongoing litigation and a subsisting court order to maintain the status quo.

The decision, announced in a statement on Wednesday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, follows conflicting demands from opposing factions within the party over its leadership.

INEC disclosed that it received separate communications from legal representatives of both parties,one urging the commission not to recognise Gombe due to a pending suit before the Federal High Court, and another demanding enforcement of a Court of Appeal judgment in favour of Gombe.

However, the commission said its position was guided by the March 12, 2026 ruling of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive suit.

According to INEC, maintaining the status quo means preserving the situation as it existed before September 2, 2025,the date the suit challenging the party’s leadership was filed.

“As a result, 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 the party pending the determination of the case,” the statement said.

INEC further stated that it would not recognise or engage with any faction of the ADC on matters relating to the party’s leadership until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment.

The commission also announced that it would not monitor or participate in any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by any of the contending groups, warning that such actions could undermine the judicial process.

In a significant development, INEC said it would remove from its portal the names of the current National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark, which were uploaded in September 2025, in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain neutrality.

The commission emphasised that its actions were aimed at avoiding any step that could “foist a fait accompli on the court” or render the ongoing proceedings nugatory.

The leadership crisis within the ADC stems from disputes following the resignation of the party’s former executives, with Gombe, a former Vice National Chairman, insisting he should assume leadership in line with the party’s constitution, while another faction led by Senator David Mark claims legitimacy based on a National Executive Committee decision.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality and adherence to judicial pronouncements, urging political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.