By Our Correspondent
National News – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal, derecognising them as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The move follows a Court of Appeal ruling and has sparked protests from the ADC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and supporters of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
INEC said its decision, announced Wednesday, was based on the appellate court’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” while a pending suit challenges the legality of Mark’s leadership.
The commission also refused to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claimed the party’s chairmanship, and announced a temporary suspension of engagement with all ADC factions until the Federal High Court delivers a final verdict.
The dispute began after a National Executive Council meeting in July 2025, when Mark’s faction assumed control following the resignation of the previous leadership.
Gombe, then Vice-National Chairman, insisted he should automatically assume leadership and filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC noted it received conflicting legal communications, with one letter urging it not to recognise Gombe and another asking enforcement of a Court of Appeal judgment affirming his claims.
Reacting, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government of attempting to destabilise the opposition, warning that any attempt to alter the party’s leadership would be resisted.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, described the decision as politically motivated and potentially catastrophic for Nigeria’s democratic process.
Meanwhile, the Gombe faction praised INEC’s handling of the dispute, saying the commission acted in accordance with the Court of Appeal ruling and demonstrated neutrality.
PDP officials also condemned government interference in opposition party affairs, describing the situation as a threat to democracy.
The INEC move underscores rising tensions within Nigeria’s opposition parties and highlights the complex legal battles over party leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
