The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally withdrawn from the leadership crisis engulfing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dealing a heavy blow to the party’s ambitions as a unified opposition force.
In a decisive move on Wednesday, the electoral body expunged the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, from its official portal, where they were previously listed as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
The Commission’s decision effectively severs its recognition of any faction within the party, instructing its state and local government offices to steer clear of monitoring any conventions or congresses organized by either side. The directive leaves the ADC in a state of administrative paralysis.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained in a statement that the Commission is bound by ongoing judicial proceedings. The electoral body cited the Court of Appeal’s judgment in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
“The Commission will not monitor any congress or convention or deal with any faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) pending the final determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court,” the statement read.
The crisis stems from a succession battle following the resignation of the Ralph Okey Nwosu-led executive in July 2025. While the Mark-led National Working Committee emerged in the wake of that exit, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claims to be the only surviving National Vice Chairman, challenged the transition.
Gombe had approached the courts to assert his claim to the party’s leadership, arguing that he should have automatically assumed control rather than the new leadership being installed.
With INEC now stepping back entirely—refusing to recognize the Mark/Aregbesola faction, Gombe’s faction, or any interim arrangement—the party finds itself grounded at a critical juncture.
Political analysts suggest the move is a significant setback for opposition coalescence. The ADC had been positioning itself as a potential rallying point for politicians disenchanted with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, with its leadership status frozen by the electoral umpire and the courts yet to deliver a final verdict, the party’s ability to function as a cohesive political entity has been severely hampered.
For now, INEC has signaled that it will maintain strict neutrality, awaiting the final court ruling before formally re-engaging with the embattled opposition party.
