INEC has refused to recognise either faction in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing ongoing legal battles. The dispute is between former Senate President David Mark and former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala, both claiming legitimacy to lead the party. The conflict intensified after former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu and his National Working Committee resigned in July 2025, appointing Mark as interim chairman. Bala contested the move, insisting he remains acting chairman under party constitution, and filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Emeka Nwite issued an order for all parties to appear, and in March 2026, the Court of Appeal led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam dismissed Mark's appeal, calling it lacking in merit and procedure. The court ordered the status quo be maintained and Mark to pay costs. With no final judgment on leadership, INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna stated the commission would remain neutral and not engage either faction until the court decides. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi insisted the party would proceed with internal congresses regardless.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele defended provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, saying they emerged from stakeholder consensus, including civil society and development partners. He said digital membership registration and mandatory direct primaries or consensus for candidate selection would promote transparency and reduce money politics. "The final decision is in the hands of party members," Bamidele said. He also condemned recent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, noting legislative efforts to strengthen the Terrorism Act. Separately, the African Action Congress (AAC) denounced alleged threats by Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike against journalist Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television. In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Rex I. Elanu on April 5, AAC described the remarks as dangerous, referencing past audio leaks where Wike allegedly threatened INEC officials. AAC called for a thorough investigation and possible arrest if evidence exists. The comment followed Okinbaloye's question on whether Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party state due to the ADC crisis, to which Wike replied, "If there's any way to break the screen, I would have shot him."
Nyesom Wike's threat to a journalist, captured on live television, exposes a troubling tolerance for intimidation in high office. That a serving minister can publicly wish harm on a reporter—and face no immediate consequences—signals weakening accountability. For Nigerian media, it means operating in an environment where verbal violence from power holders carries little risk. The lack of swift action after the April 5 incident speaks volumes about the state of press freedom.
