The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will no longer recognise or engage with either faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing an ongoing legal dispute over the party’s leadership currently before the Federal High Court.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Kudu, INEC’s Chairman of Information and Voter Education, the commission said it would stop accepting correspondence from both the David Mark-led caretaker committee and the faction led by Rafiu Bala.
INEC also confirmed that it would no longer monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions of the two groups until the court resolves the matter.
The commission further stated that it would remove the names of Senator David Mark and his associates from its official portal, effectively freezing formal recognition of the leadership structure entered under the Mark-led committee.
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The decision followed a review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, which reinforced the need to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the legal challenge.
The internal crisis arose when Rafiu Bala, previously the vice chairman of the ADC, challenged the legitimacy of the David Mark-led caretaker committee in court.
Bala argued that the committee’s takeover violated the party constitution and internal procedures, prompting a protracted legal dispute over which faction holds the mandate to lead the party.
Observers note that the unresolved leadership struggle could affect the ADC’s ability to conduct recognised congresses or field candidates for the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s directive is aimed at maintaining neutrality and ensuring that the commission does not take actions that could preempt the judicial process.