Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively, in a move that has triggered political backlash and heightened uncertainty within the opposition party.
In a statement issued Wednesday, INEC also announced that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the ADC and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organized by groups aligned with the affected leaders until the resolution of ongoing legal proceedings.
Court Judgment and Legal Disputes
According to the Commission, its decision followed a lingering leadership crisis within the party and a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which further complicated the dispute.
INEC disclosed that it received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, warning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while substantive legal matters remain before the courts.
The Commission said it would also not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking judicial affirmation as national chairman, pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stated that the electoral body remains committed to neutrality and adherence to the rule of law.
ADC Alleges Political Pressure
The decision has sparked confusion within the party and drawn sharp criticism from ADC leaders.
Reacting via a statement posted on X, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused INEC of acting under pressure from the Federal Government, alleging that the ruling establishment was unsettled by the ADC’s growing political momentum.
Abdullahi described the Commission’s position as contradictory and flawed, arguing that it failed to align with established facts. He claimed INEC had “caved to pressure” amid what he characterised as sustained attacks on opposition parties.
“We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum,” he stated, adding that the party was reviewing its legal and political options.
Lawyers, Politicians Weigh In
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also criticised the Commission, describing recent developments as suggestive of a “well-orchestrated sinister conspiracy” capable of undermining credible elections ahead of 2027.
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Effiong questioned the legal foundation of the dispute, arguing that, based on available information, members of the party’s executive had resigned to pave way for a new leadership structure allegedly ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee.
He raised concerns over judicial intervention in what he described as traditionally internal party matters.
He also referenced the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum, questioning whether the order effectively creates a leadership vacuum within the ADC until final judgment.
Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye lashed out at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He described the situation as “satanic and wicked,” vowing that opposition figures would resist any such moves.
On his part, former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani likened the ADC’s predicament to inheriting a “used vehicle” plagued by structural problems. According to him, taking over an existing political party often comes with entrenched internal challenges unlike building a new one from scratch.
Alleged Resignation Letter Surfaces
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further following the circulation online of an alleged resignation letter purportedly written by Nafiu Bala and dated May 18, 2025. In the letter, Bala reportedly resigned from the party’s National Working Committee effective May 26, 2025, to facilitate “a smooth and effective coalition and restructuring.”
The authenticity of the letter has not been independently verified, but its emergence has intensified debate over the legitimacy of competing leadership claims.
Experts’ Analysis: Legal, Political and Electoral Implications
Political analysts say INEC’s decision places the ADC in a precarious position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Legal Neutrality vs. Political Perception
Election law experts note that INEC is often constrained by court orders and pending litigation. By suspending recognition of all factions, the Commission may be attempting to avoid contempt proceedings.
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However, perception remains critical in electoral politics, and critics argue that the move risks being interpreted as political interference.
Impact on Opposition Consolidation
Analysts observe that leadership instability could weaken the ADC’s ability to consolidate alliances and present a credible alternative platform before 2027. Internal factional disputes, if prolonged, may erode public confidence and complicate coalition-building efforts.
Judicialisation of Party Politics
Constitutional scholars point to the increasing “judicialisation” of party leadership disputes in Nigeria, where courts are frequently called upon to resolve internal conflicts. While judicial intervention may clarify legality, it can also stall party operations and deepen factional divides.
Electoral Timelines and Compliance Risks
INEC’s refusal to monitor conventions or congresses organised by rival factions may delay party primaries and compliance with statutory timelines if the crisis persists. Electoral observers warn that prolonged uncertainty could affect candidate nominations and ballot preparations.