INEC Withdraws Recognition of Rival ADC Factions

T The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will no longer recognise any faction of the African Democratic Congress, citing ongoing legal disputes over the party’s leadership.

In a statement issued on April 1 and signed by Mohammed Kudu, Chairman of Information and Voter Education, the commission said the decision follows a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal.

INEC specifically named the factions led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala, stating that it would cease to engage with either group until the matter is conclusively determined by the Federal High Court.

The electoral body further disclosed that it will not monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the rival factions during the pendency of the case. It also indicated that the name of David Mark would be removed from its official portal in relation to the party’s leadership.

The leadership crisis stems from a dispute over the control of the party following the 2025 resignation of the National Working Committee led by Ralph Nwosu. After stepping down, Nwosu handed over party leadership to a caretaker committee headed by Mark, with Rauf Aregbesola serving as national secretary.

However, Rafiu Bala, who had been a vice chairman of the party, challenged the arrangement in court, insisting that he should have assumed leadership in line with the party’s constitutional provisions.

The crisis has cast uncertainty over the party’s structure, particularly after an opposition coalition adopted the ADC as a platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.