The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by David Mark. This follows INEC's review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, which invalidated the leadership structure of that faction. INEC stated it will no longer accept communications from either the David Mark or Rafiu Bala faction of the party. Mohammed Kudu, INEC commissioner for information and voter education, confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday. The commission cited the appellate court's ruling as the basis for its action. The judgment had resolved a leadership dispute within the ADC, determining that the convention through which Mark's faction emerged was not valid. INEC emphasized that its recognition of political parties is contingent on adherence to due process and legal validity.
David Mark's exit from the ADC leadership underscores how court rulings, not political influence, now shape party legitimacy. With the appeal court nullifying his faction's claim, INEC had no legal basis to engage it—no drama, no exceptions. This reinforces that electoral compliance matters more than big names in party politics. For Nigerian voters, it means party stability may finally rest on process, not power plays.
