The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has halted recognition of any faction claiming leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after interpreting a Court of Appeal ruling. The decision affects both the David Mark‑led National Working Committee and the group headed by former vice‑chairman Nafiu Bala, each of which has petitioned INEC in Abuja.
The dispute traces back to July 2025 when opposition leaders, led by Atiku Abubakar, adopted the ADC to contest President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. A caretaker committee chaired by David Mark and secretarially led by Rauf Aregbesola was announced on 29 July 2025, and INEC listed the new executives on its website on 9 September 2025.
Nafiu Bala filed a suit at the Federal High Court on 2 September 2025, challenging Mark's leadership. The Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal by Mark's camp on 12 March 2025 and ordered all parties, including INEC, to "maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court."
Citing that ruling, INEC announced on 16 March it would not recognise either faction until the substantive case is resolved, removing the Mark‑led NWC names from its portal. The commission stated, "The Commission shall not… receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja so as not to do any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on th [...]".
The Mark‑led faction rejected INEC's reading, arguing the relevant date is 29 July 2025, when the leadership change occurred, not the 9 September upload. Legal analysts are divided; Mr Chukwuka‑Machukwu contended that "political parties play a constitutionally defined role in Nigeria's democracy by providing alternatives in governance and must, therefore, remain functional despite internal disputes."
INEC's choice to freeze ADC recognition underscores a cautious legalist stance that could stall the party's participation in the 2027 electoral cycle. By anchoring its decision to the "status quo ante bellum" of 2 September 2025, the commission effectively sidelines both claimants until a court ruling is delivered.
The move reflects deeper tensions between party politics and judicial oversight in Nigeria. The ADC, poised as a major opposition platform after the July 2025 coalition led by Atiku Abubakar, now faces internal paralysis that may weaken its ability to field a unified candidate against the ruling APC. The divergent interpretations by lawyers illustrate how procedural nuances can become decisive in a fragile democratic environment.
Ordinary Nigerians who support the ADC's alternative agenda risk losing representation if the party cannot resolve its leadership impasse before the next election. Grassroots activists, campaign volunteers, and potential voters in regions where the ADC has built support may find themselves without a clear party structure to rally around.
This episode adds to a pattern of electoral bodies invoking court orders to limit party activities, a practice that can curtail political competition and reinforce the dominance of established parties unless courts deliver timely judgments.
