By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has announced that it will no longer recognise any faction of the African Democratic Congress, including the group led by former Senate President David Mark, as the party’s leadership crisis deepens.
The commission said it would cease all official dealings with both the Mark-led faction and the rival group led by Rafiu Bala, pending the resolution of the dispute in court.
In a statement, INEC disclosed that it would no longer accept correspondence from either faction or monitor their activities, including meetings, congresses and conventions, until a final decision is reached by the Federal High Court.
The electoral umpire also indicated that it would remove the names of David Mark and his allies from its official portal, effectively suspending formal recognition of their leadership claims.
The crisis stems from a prolonged leadership tussle within the ADC following the emergence of Mark as interim national chairman after the resignation of the party’s previous leadership in 2025.
However, Rafiu Bala, a former vice chairman, challenged the arrangement in court, insisting he should assume leadership in line with party structure.
The dispute escalated after the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark’s camp in March 2026, prompting INEC to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The ADC had recently been adopted as a platform by opposition figures seeking to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, making the leadership crisis a significant setback for its political positioning.
Meanwhile, the party has welcomed heavyweight politicians from other party joining forces together to challenge the present administration. The likes of Kano state former governor, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 2023 governorship aspirant, Nasiru Gawuna and others were welcomed to the party days ago in a massive defection.
With INEC stepping back from recognising any faction, the party now faces uncertainty over its organisational activities and readiness for upcoming electoral processes until the courts deliver a final ruling.
