The Coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing of misinterpreting a recent Court of Appeal ruling to favor the government.
This escalating conflict marks a critical juncture in a protracted leadership struggle within one of Nigeria’s
prominent opposition parties.
In a statement released on April 1, 2026, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, rejected INEC’s position as “contradictory and inconsistent with facts.”
The party alleged that INEC had “caved to pressure” from a government “jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum.”
This rejection follows INEC’s resolution to remove names of the current National Working Committee (NWC), led by Senator David Mark, from its portal to maintain the status quo ante bellum as directed by the Court of Appeal.
The Core of the Dispute
The leadership tussle centers on two main factions: one led by Senator David Mark and the other by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe. 
The dispute originated in mid-2025 following the resignation of the former Chairman, Mr. Ralph Okey Nwosu.
On July 29, 2025 the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting ratifies Senator David Mark’s NWC after previous members resigned.
On September 2, 2025 Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe files Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, claiming he should have automatically become Chairman. 
While on September 9, 2025 INEC uploads Senator David Mark’s NWC names to its portal, seven days after Gombe’s suit was filed.
On December 18, 2025, Senator David Mark appeals a trial court order, challenging its jurisdiction.
March 12, 2026, Court of Appeal dismisses Mark’s appeal and issues “preservatory orders” to maintain the
status quo. And in March 31, 2026, INEC resolves to remove Mark’s group from its portal and cease all dealings with both factions until the court’s final decision.
Judicial Intervention and INEC’s Resolution
The Court of Appeal’s judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 emphasized the need to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court.
The court ordered: “That the parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.” In response, INEC observed that since the current NWC names were uploaded after the initial suit was filed, maintaining the status quo required their removal.
Consequently, the Commission has decided to: Remove Senator David Mark’s group from the INEC portal. Refuse Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe’s request to take over the party’s affairs immediately.
Suspend all monitoring of ADC meetings, congresses, or conventions until the Federal High Court delivers a final verdict.
Implications for the 2027 General Election
The ADC has warned that INEC’s actions effectively side with the government against the Nigerian people, suggesting a move toward “one-party rule.”
Meanwhile, INEC’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, reiterated the Commission’s “unwavering commitment to neutrality” and urged all stakeholders to avoid actions that could jeopardize the 2027 Electoral Timetable.
As the legal battle moves back to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing, the future of the ADC remains uncertain, with both factions claiming the mandate to lead the party into the next election cycle.
