INEC
Iyunade Grace
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively. This decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling, which directed the commission to maintain the status quo ante bellum, or the situation as it existed before September 2, 2025, when a suit was filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The dispute began when Gombe, the Vice-National Chairman, claimed he never resigned and should automatically take over as chairman, following the resignation of the Ralph Okey Nwosu-led executive in July 2025. Gombe subsequently filed a suit against Mark’s group, seeking an injunction to restrain them from parading themselves as national chairman and secretary.
INEC’s decision is in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s preservatory orders, aimed at protecting the integrity of the proceedings and the eventual determination of the substantive suit pending before the Federal High Court. The commission has also stated that it will not recognize or monitor the activities of any faction within the party until the legal dispute is resolved .
The ADC has rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, accusing the commission of acting under external pressure. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described INEC’s press statement as “full of contradictions” and stated that the party is considering its next line of action.
The removal of Mark’s name from INEC’s portal has been seen as a setback for prominent presidential aspirants, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who are vying for the ADC presidential ticket.
INEC has urged all political actors to avoid actions that could jeopardize the 2027 election timetable. The commission’s decision is a significant development in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC.
The Court of Appeal had directed an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, citing the proximity of the 2027 general election timetable. INEC has committed to ensuring the case is heard expeditiously.
The commission’s decision is a reminder of its commitment to maintaining neutrality and impartiality in the electoral process.
