INEC Removes David Mark-Led ADC NWC From Portal Amid Court-Ordered Status Quo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved decisively in the deepening leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirming the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark from its official portal.
The electoral umpire disclosed this on Wednesday, noting that the decision was triggered by a directive issued by the Court of Appeal.
INEC explained that the action is intended to restore the situation to what it was before the dispute intensified, pending a final determination by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The commission acknowledged that the ADC leadership crisis has persisted for several months, with two rival factions asserting control over the party’s structure. One faction is aligned with Mark, while the other is led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
PulseNets learned that the prolonged dispute has triggered multiple legal confrontations, further escalating tensions within the party.
INEC reported that it would strictly comply with the ruling of the appellate court delivered on March 12, 2026, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from actions that could prejudice the case before the lower court.
“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 read.
Providing further clarification, INEC stated that the names of the NWC members loyal to Mark were originally uploaded to its portal on September 9, 2025, seven days after a suit challenging the party’s leadership had already been filed on September 2, 2025.
PulseNets learnt that, in line with the latest court directive, those names will now be removed to ensure strict adherence to the order maintaining the pre-dispute condition.
“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 said.
INEC also addressed a separate request from the faction loyal to Bala Gombe, which sought official recognition of him as acting national chairman. The commission rejected the request, stating that granting such recognition would directly violate the court’s directive.
PulseNets reported that the commission has further resolved to suspend all engagements with both factions, including the monitoring of meetings, congresses, and conventions organised by either group.
It stressed that no communication relating to the internal affairs of the party will be entertained until a final judicial pronouncement is made.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” it added.
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Reaffirming its neutrality, INEC assured Nigerians of its commitment to due process and strict compliance with judicial orders. The commission also cautioned political stakeholders against actions that could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The crisis within the ADC continues to intensify, with both factions maintaining firm claims to the party’s leadership. With multiple cases already before the courts, the eventual ruling is expected to significantly shape the party’s trajectory ahead of the next electoral cycle.
