Uncertainty has gripped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as national chairman and national secretary of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC also announced the suspension of recognition for all factions within the ADC and said it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organized by groups linked to the embattled leadership.
The development, according to Nigerian Newssphere, has triggered confusion and anxiety among party members and stakeholders.
The electoral body said its decision was prompted by a lingering leadership crisis within the ADC, as well as a recent Court of Appeal judgment in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which it noted had further complicated the dispute.
INEC disclosed that it received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman (SAN) & Co., cautioning against recognizing Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while the matter remains in court.
The Commission maintained that it would not recognize Bala, who is central to the dispute and is seeking judicial affirmation as national chairman. It added that its position would remain until the substantive suit before the Federal High Court is determined.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said INEC remains neutral in the crisis.
However, the decision has drawn sharp reactions from the ADC and other political figures.
ADC alleges political pressure
The ADC rejected INEC’s stance, describing it as a misinterpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling.
In a statement posted on X, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused INEC of yielding to pressure from the federal government, which he claimed is uneasy about the party’s growing influence.
He described the Commission’s decision as contradictory and lacking in logic, adding that the party would soon announce its next line of action.
Lawyer raises concerns over 2027 elections
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also criticized INEC, warning that the development could undermine credible elections ahead of 2027.
Effiong questioned the basis of the dispute, arguing that the party’s leadership changes were internally resolved and ratified by its National Executive Committee. He expressed concern over what he described as increasing judicial interference in internal party matters.
He further alleged a possible attempt to weaken opposition parties, suggesting that INEC’s actions could favor the ruling party.
Melaye and Sani weigh in.
Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye condemned the situation, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is 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’s situation to inheriting a “used vehicle” plagued with multiple structural issues, noting that such challenges are common in older political parties.
Alleged resignation letter surfaces
Amid the controversy, an alleged resignation letter attributed to Nafiu Bala surfaced online. Dated May 18, 2025, the letter indicated that Bala had stepped down from the party’s National Working Committee effective May 26, 2025, to facilitate restructuring.
Although the authenticity of the document remains unverified, its emergence has added another layer to the already tense leadership crisis within the ADC.
