Confusion, anxiety trail INEC’s ‘freezing’ of David Mark’s ADC leadership

Uncertainty has gripped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

 

INEC also announced that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders.

 

The electoral body said its decision was prompted by the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, as well as a recent Court of Appeal judgment in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which has further complicated the dispute.

 

According to INEC, it received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman (SAN) & Co, cautioning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while legal proceedings remain unresolved.

 

The commission stressed that it would also not recognise Gombe, who is seeking to assume leadership of the party through the courts.

 

INEC stated that the measures would remain in effect pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

 

In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, reiterated the commission’s commitment to neutrality in the matter.

 

However, the development has sparked confusion and anxiety among party members and sections of the public, with concerns growing over the future leadership and stability of the ADC.