The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has derecognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, removing their names from its official portal. The decision, announced on April 1, 2026, applies to both the national chairman and national secretary, citing an ongoing legal dispute involving Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former deputy national chairman who is contesting for the party's leadership. INEC stated it will not recognise either faction as the legitimate leadership and will not monitor any ADC congresses or conventions. This follows a Court of Appeal ruling on March 12, 2026, directing parties to maintain status quo ante bellum, which INEC interpreted unilaterally without seeking clarification from the court.
The ADC's National Executive Committee had dissolved its National Working Committee on July 29, 2025, and appointed a caretaker committee led by Mark and Aregbesola, a process INEC monitored and initially validated by uploading their names to its portal. Nafiu Bala Gombe, who submitted a resignation letter on May 17, 2025—transmitted to INEC on August 12, 2025—filed a suit at the Federal High Court on September 2, 2025, seeking recognition as party chairman. The Court of Appeal later rejected the ADC's challenge to the Federal High Court's jurisdiction and imposed the status quo order. Legal experts have questioned INEC's timing and interpretation, noting the commission's prior endorsement of the Mark-Aregbesola leadership.
INEC's sudden derecognition of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola—after previously certifying their appointment—smacks of inconsistent oversight rather than impartial regulation. The commission's decision to act on a court order only days before party congresses, and in a manner seemingly aligned with one faction's interpretation, undermines its credibility. If INEC can withdraw recognition based on a unilateral reading of status quo, then every party leadership validated by the commission now sits on shaky ground. This sets a precedent where electoral legitimacy can be revoked quietly, without judicial finality.
