INEC No Recognise ADC Leaders, Obidient Movement Don Plan Nationwide Protest

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to recognise either faction claiming leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing ongoing litigation. This follows a Court of Appeal judgment dismissing a suit by David Mark, who claims to be the party's chairman, and imposing a N2 million fine on him. The court directed that the status quo be maintained pending resolution of the main case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Nafiu Bala, a deputy national chairman, is challenging Mark's emergence. INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna confirmed the commission's non-recognition of both Mark and Nafiu Bala, stating that doing so would amount to taking sides before the court's final ruling. As part of this stance, INEC has removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC chairman and secretary. The situation has deepened divisions within the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. The Obidient Movement, a coalition supporting Peter Obi, has announced a nationwide protest tagged #OccupyINEC, accusing INEC of institutional compromise. In a statement, the group said, "When institutions lose credibility, di will of di people dey endangered. And when dat happen, citizens get duty to act." The protest is set to begin at the ADC National Headquarters in Abuja and proceed to INEC's headquarters. The ADC's internal crisis comes at a time when the Labour Party and PDP are also grappling with internal disputes. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, insists the party will proceed with its congresses despite INEC's position. The Federal High Court has ordered accelerated hearing of the leadership suit, though delays remain a concern.