The conflict began when Nafiu Bala Gombe sought a court order to prevent INEC from recognizing David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the ADC. The Court of Appeal had initially directed that the status quo ante bellum be maintained, which resulted in INEC derecognizing Mark’s leadership.

Justice Mohammed Garba delivered the unanimous judgment from a five-member panel. The Supreme Court ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked authority to issue a preservative order while the case was still pending before the trial court. The ruling directed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an expeditious hearing.

The ADC’s national spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, welcomed the verdict, describing it as a clear affirmation of the party’s legitimacy. He stated, “We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.”

Legal expert Jubrin Okutekpa noted that INEC’s prior actions to remove David Mark and his executive committee have now been invalidated. He remarked, “Di basis upon which Inec bin act to remove di name of Senator (David) Mark and im exco don dey removed…” This ruling is expected to have far-reaching effects on the upcoming 2027 general elections.

As political dynamics shift within Nigeria, this ruling reinstates stability in ADC leadership ahead of critical electoral contests. Officials have yet to confirm how this will influence party strategies moving forward.

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The Supreme Court has fixed April 14 for the hearing of Mark’s appeal against Nafiu Bala’s suit, which questions Mark’s leadership position. Mark’s appeal is marked SC/CV/180/2026, and he is seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision that deemed his case as incompetent and unmeritorious.

On March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal ruled against Mark, a decision that has significant implications for the ADC’s internal dynamics. Following this ruling, on April 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would no longer recognize the factions of the ADC led by either Mark or Bala, further complicating the leadership crisis.

In response to INEC’s announcement, Mark filed a motion requesting the court to compel INEC to restore their names and recognize them as members of the party’s national working committee. This legal maneuver highlights the urgency and complexity of the situation as both factions vie for legitimacy.

The Supreme Court has also scheduled a hearing for April 22 in another related appeal filed by Mark regarding the leadership dispute in the ADC. A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, granted accelerated hearing in this matter, indicating the court’s recognition of the case’s significance.

In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal concerning the appointment of counsel for Nestoil and Neconde, affirming that these entities remain valid legal entities with the right to engage counsel of their choice. This ruling may set a precedent for how legal disputes are handled within corporate governance and political party structures.

As the April 14 hearing approaches, the ADC’s leadership crisis continues to unfold, with both Mark and Bala preparing for what could be a pivotal moment for the party. The outcome of this appeal could determine the future of the ADC and its leadership structure, which has been under scrutiny since the initial suit was filed by Bala on September 2, 2025, to restrain INEC from recognizing Mark-led executives.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential implications of the Supreme Court’s decisions on the ADC’s internal politics and its recognition by INEC. The political landscape may shift dramatically depending on the court’s rulings in the coming weeks, particularly as the parties involved await the Supreme Court’s judgment.

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Prior to the convention, David Mark, the party’s leader, expelled Nafiu Bala and several others for purported anti-party activities. The exact reasons for this expulsion remain unclear, and details remain unconfirmed.

Senator Dino Melaye accused the ruling party of attempting to disrupt the ADC convention, highlighting the tense political atmosphere surrounding the event. Melaye stated, “We be di owners of dis place, we sign contract, we sign agreement and dem open di place,” emphasizing the ADC’s legal right to use the venue.

Despite the challenges, the ADC had signed a contract for the use of the Rainbow Events Centre and paid all required fees. Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the party, noted, “E no get any way we go deny dem bicos we dey collect revenue from am, you gatz pay and nobodi don write to us,” reinforcing the legitimacy of their venue arrangements.

Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the situation, criticizing the political pressure exerted on private venue owners. He remarked, “To force a private business owner to deny a lawfully registered opposition party di use of a venue no be governance, e no be politics, na di naked conduct of a regime wey don lose di argument.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will not recognize either David Mark or Nafiu Bala as chairman until court decisions are made regarding the leadership dispute within the ADC.

Bolaji Abdullahi, another prominent ADC member, expressed defiance against the political pressures, declaring, “We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant.”

Looking ahead, observers are keenly awaiting the outcomes of the court cases that will determine the leadership of the ADC. The political landscape within the party remains uncertain as it navigates these challenges.

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Abdullahi stated, “The formal inauguration of the newly elected State Executives is scheduled to take place on May 12, 2026, or on a later date to be duly communicated by the National Working Committee.” This indicates that while the date is set, there remains a possibility of rescheduling.

The ADC has expressed congratulations to all newly elected state executives and state chairmen for the successful conduct of their congresses, which were carried out in accordance with legal provisions and the party’s constitution. Abdullahi remarked, “These elections, carried out in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution, reflect the ADC’s enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency and the rule of law.”

However, the party is currently navigating a leadership crisis characterized by parallel congresses and ongoing court interventions. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated it will no longer recognize the leadership of David Mark, further complicating the party’s internal dynamics.

Despite these challenges, the ADC aims to consolidate its control and stabilize the party ahead of future elections. Abdullahi urged elected officials to remain steadfast in their dedication to the party’s ideals, stating, “The task ahead requires unity, discipline and a continued commitment to building a strong, credible alternative for the Nigerian people.”

In addition to the inauguration, the ADC’s national convention is scheduled for April 14, 2026, which will be a crucial event for the party as it seeks to strengthen its position in Nigerian politics.

Ralph Nwosu, a prominent figure within the party, has indicated that the ADC is taking necessary legal actions to address the challenges posed by INEC, asserting, “We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes.”

As the ADC prepares for the upcoming inauguration, the party’s leadership is focused on expanding grassroots engagement nationwide, aiming to enhance its influence and support base.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final arrangements for the inauguration, but the ADC’s commitment to overcoming its internal disputes remains clear.

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Before the recent developments, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was embroiled in a leadership crisis that began in 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by David Mark in July 2025. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been recognizing various factions within the ADC, which was expected to foster internal democracy and allow for a resolution of leadership disputes.

However, a decisive moment occurred when INEC halted recognition of these rival factions pending a resolution of the ongoing leadership dispute. This action was taken in response to a directive from the Court of Appeal, which instructed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, although it did not clarify what that status quo entailed.

The immediate effects of INEC’s decision were significant. Key figures within the ADC, including Ralph Nwosu and others, found their names removed from INEC’s official portal, citing the court order. This led to accusations from David Mark, who claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress was using INEC to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, a prominent figure in the ADC, challenged INEC’s interpretation of the court order, stating, “The court did not say that INEC should withdraw recognition from either faction. It never did say so.” This highlights the ambiguity surrounding the court’s directive and raises questions about the future of the ADC.

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room condemned INEC’s actions, warning that they could undermine internal party democracy. They stated, “The invocation of status quo ante bellum in this instance risks entrenching ambiguity and sustaining contested authority within the ADC.” This perspective underscores the potential long-term implications of INEC’s decision.

As tensions rise, the ADC faces uncertainty regarding its internal structure and the upcoming elections. David Mark has expressed concerns that the current situation is designed to create a political landscape where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only viable option for the electorate in 2027.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact definition of the status quo ante bellum as interpreted by the court, and the implications of INEC’s actions on the ADC’s internal democracy remain uncertain. The political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, with the ADC at a critical juncture.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ceased to recognize the factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala Gombe. This decision follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026, which instructed INEC to maintain the status quo regarding the ADC’s leadership while the matter is resolved in court.

INEC has stated that it will not engage with either faction or monitor their meetings until the Federal High Court decides the ongoing leadership dispute. This development has raised concerns within the ADC, as the party claims that the decision by INEC renders them unable to participate in the upcoming elections.

David Mark was appointed interim National Chairman of the ADC on July 29, 2025, but Rafiu Bala Gombe contends that he should be recognized as the acting National Chairman. The conflicting claims have led to confusion, particularly after INEC received conflicting letters regarding the ADC leadership on March 16, 2026.

Bolaji Abdullahi, a prominent figure within the ADC, criticized INEC’s decision, stating, “INEC don bow to pressure and don choose to side wit di govment against di Nigerian pipo.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among party members about the implications of INEC’s actions on their political future.

Inibehe Effiong, another ADC member, described the situation as “a well-orchestrated sinister conspiracy to truncate contested and credible elections for 2027.” Such statements underscore the anxiety surrounding the ADC’s ability to navigate the political landscape in light of these challenges.

Felix Morka, also from the ADC, pointed out that the current issues facing the party are largely self-inflicted, attributing them to a failure to adhere to the rules of law. He remarked, “Any problem wey ADC dey face now, na dem cause am by demsefs wit dia failure to ignore di rules of law.” This perspective suggests an internal struggle within the party that may complicate their efforts to regain recognition.

Observers note that INEC plans to remove David Mark’s name from its portal following the court ruling, further complicating the ADC’s position. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact implications of INEC’s decision on the ADC’s ability to participate in elections.

The ADC was adopted as a political platform by a coalition of politicians aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. As the situation develops, the ADC’s leadership and its capacity to participate in the electoral process remain uncertain.

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