ADC kicks against INEC delisting of party leadership

The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) aligned with former Senate President David Mark has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) position on the party’s protracted leadership disputes.

The party accuses the electoral body of yielding to external influence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary faulted INEC’s interpretation of a recent court of appeal judgement, insisting it was inconsistent with both the facts of the case and established legal reasoning.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” the statement read.

Abdullahi further alleged that the commission’s position reflected undue interference, claiming, “INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.”

He said the party is currently weighing its options and would communicate its next line of action in due course, while urging members to remain calm.
“Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising,” he added.

INEC had earlier announced that it would suspend engagement with both factions of the party led by Mark and Rafiu Bala, pending the resolution of the dispute before the federal high court.

The commission’s position followed its review of the Court of Appeal judgement delivered on March 12, 2026, which dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and issued preservatory orders in the matter.

Mohammed Kudu, INEC’s commissioner for information and voter education disclosed that the commission received conflicting correspondences from opposing sides of the dispute, each advancing different interpretations of the court’s ruling.

According to him, while one communication urged the commission not to recognise Bala as acting national chairman due to a pending suit, another demanded enforcement of the appellate court’s decision in his favour.

Citing the need to preserve the integrity of the judicial process, INEC said it would “maintain the status quo ante bellum”  reflecting the situation before the initiation of legal proceedings  and refrain from actions that could prejudice the outcome of the case.

The commission also reiterated its commitment to neutrality and adherence to court orders, urging political actors to avoid conduct that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general election.