Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria’s electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has taken a decisive step in the deepening leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ordering a total freeze on party activities and removing key officials from its records.
The move follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, INEC announced that it will no longer recognise any faction or leadership within the ADC, effectively halting all party activities nationwide. The Commission said it would stop monitoring ADC meetings, congresses, or conventions, reject further communications from all factions, and remove the names of current National Working Committee members from its portal. This includes the leadership led by David Mark, whose faction had been previously recognised.
INEC also rejected demands to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman, despite claims backed by a Court of Appeal judgment. The Commission insisted that granting such recognition would violate court orders and potentially prejudice ongoing proceedings.
The appellate court had earlier dismissed an appeal filed by David Mark and issued preservatory orders directing all parties to maintain the existing situation before the lawsuit, avoid actions that could undermine the court process, and allow accelerated hearing of the case.
INEC said the conflicting legal claims and multiple court processes from both factions made it necessary to adopt a neutral stance, stressing that it would not take any action capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court.
The decision throws the ADC into deeper uncertainty ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, as the party is now effectively paralysed until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment. The Commission also warned political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral timetable.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.