The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday announced the removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively.
The commission also declared that it would no longer recognise any faction within the party and would suspend monitoring of conventions or congresses organised by groups linked to the affected leaders.
According to reports, the decision has triggered confusion and anxiety within the party.
INEC said its action followed a protracted leadership crisis in the ADC, worsened by a recent ruling of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026. The commission disclosed that it received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman (SAN) & Co, cautioning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while legal proceedings remain unresolved.
The electoral body added that it would not recognise Bala, who is central to the dispute and is seeking judicial affirmation as national chairman. INEC said the measures would remain in place pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
In a statement, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stressed that the commission remains neutral in the matter.
ADC Accuses FG of Interference
Reacting, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused INEC of acting under pressure from the Federal Government, which he described as “jittery” over the party’s growing influence.
Abdullahi argued that INEC’s decision was inconsistent and flawed, alleging that the commission had taken sides against opposition parties. He said the party was reviewing its options and would soon announce its next steps.
Lawyer Alleges Plot Against 2027 Elections
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also criticised the development, describing it as part of a “sinister conspiracy” to undermine credible elections ahead of 2027.
Effiong questioned the basis of the dispute, noting that party executives had reportedly resigned to allow a new leadership led by Mark and Aregbesola, which was ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee. He warned against judicial interference in internal party affairs and suggested that INEC’s actions could favour the ruling party.
He further challenged the commission to clarify whether it intended to pave the way for Bola Tinubu to run unopposed in the 2027 presidential election.
Melaye, Sani React
Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye condemned the situation, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He vowed that opposition figures would resist such moves.
On his part, former lawmaker Shehu Sani likened the ADC to a “used vehicle” plagued by structural problems, noting that inheriting an existing political party often comes with deep-rooted challenges.
Resignation Letter Surfaces
Meanwhile, an alleged resignation letter linked to Nafiu Bala has surfaced online. Dated May 18, 2025, the letter indicated that Bala stepped down from the party’s National Working Committee effective May 26, 2025, to allow for restructuring within the party.
Although the authenticity of the document remains unverified, its emergence has added another layer of tension to the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC.
