The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The commission also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to emerge as national chairman through ongoing court proceedings.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC announced the suspension of recognition for all factions within the party. It added that it would refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups affiliated with the contending leaders.
According to the commission, the decision will remain in effect pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
INEC said the move follows a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, further complicated by a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026.
The commission noted that the conflicting claims to leadership have triggered multiple legal actions, creating uncertainty over the party’s recognised leadership structure.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission remains neutral in the dispute. He urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC also disclosed that it received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, cautioning against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman while the matter is still before the court.
In addition, the commission confirmed receiving a separate “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, which called for the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from its records.
The legal representatives further urged INEC to cease engagement with the duo and disregard any activities conducted under their authority.
The commission noted that the conflicting legal positions from rival factions have intensified the internal crisis within the ADC, prompting its decision to suspend all official dealings with the party’s contending groups.
