The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis, prompting significant intervention from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and drawing sharp criticism from political figures and human rights advocates. INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of all factions within the party and remove the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, has ignited a fierce debate about electoral integrity and political impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC's actions, announced by Mohammed Kudu, Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, stem from its review of a March 12, 2026, Court of Appeal judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, involving Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The appellate court dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and, crucially, issued "preservatory orders" directing all parties to "maintain the status quo ante bellum." This legal directive refers to the situation existing before September 2, 2025, when Nafiu Bala Gombe filed a suit at the Federal High Court seeking to be declared the acting national chairman and restraining Mark’s group.

Consequently, INEC resolved at its meeting on Tuesday to strictly adhere to these orders. This entails removing the names of Mark and Aregbesola from the INEC portal, as their recognition occurred after September 2, 2025. Furthermore, the Commission stated it would refrain from accepting any further communication or dealing with any of the contending parties or groups, nor would it monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions convened by any faction of the ADC until the Federal High Court determines the substantive suit. INEC also rejected a request to recognise Gombe as acting national chairman, citing the need to avoid prejudicing the ongoing proceedings.

The genesis of the leadership dispute traces back to July 29, 2025, when members of the Ralph Okey Nwosu-led executive resigned, paving the way for a new leadership headed by Mark, which was subsequently ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee. However, Nafiu Bala Gombe, then vice-national chairman, denied resigning and argued that he should have assumed leadership following Nwosu's departure, in line with the party’s constitution. Gombe proceeded to the Federal High Court on September 2, 2025, seeking orders to restrain Mark’s group and compel INEC to recognize him. Mark challenged the trial court’s jurisdiction, but his appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026, which then issued the pivotal preservatory orders.

The Commission's decision has been met with significant backlash. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong vehemently criticised INEC, alleging a "well-orchestrated sinister conspiracy" to undermine credible elections ahead of 2027. Effiong questioned the basis of judicial intervention in what he considered traditionally internal party matters, suggesting INEC might be acting in favour of the ruling party to weaken opposition. He provocatively challenged INEC to declare publicly if its desire was for Bola Tinubu to run unopposed in 2027.

Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as “satanic and wicked.” He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, stating that recent political realignments involving figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso would expose the APC's "nefarious" tendencies. Melaye vowed that opposition figures would resist such moves, declaring, "All die na die."

The ADC, through its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outright rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. Abdullahi alleged that INEC acted under "pressure from a government panicked by the opposition momentum," asserting that the government was intent on destroying opposition parties and foisting one-party rule on Nigeria. He called INEC’s press statement contradictory and accused the commission of caving to pressure and siding with the government against the Nigerian people. Abdullahi also revealed an alleged plot by agents of the ruling APC government to destabilise the ADC, including sponsoring a public protest in Abuja demanding "David Mark Must Go," particularly following Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's recent defection to the party. He urged President Bola Tinubu to restrain those allegedly involved in these plans.

Despite the criticisms, INEC has reiterated its commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and strict compliance with judicial orders. The commission urged political parties and stakeholders to conduct themselves in a manner that does not jeopardise the electoral timetable for the 2027 general election, emphasizing its role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.