ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral umpire of “criminal and contemptuous” behavior for allegedly defying a Court of Appeal directive regarding the party’s leadership.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party claimed that INEC’s recent decision to remove the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) from its official portal is a direct violation of a court order to maintain the status quo.
The Timeline of the Dispute
The ADC’s leadership crisis deepened following a legal challenge by Nafiu Bala Gombe. However, Abdullahi argues that the “status quo” as recognized by the law dates back to a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025.
“At the time the coalition joined ADC, Nafiu Gombe had already resigned his position as Deputy Chairman on May 17, and INEC was duly notified,” Abdullahi stated. “On July 29, the ADC held a NEC meeting in Abuja—attended by INEC—where a resolution was reached to hand over leadership to David Mark.”
The party maintains that since Gombe did not approach the court until September 2, any judicial order to return to the status quo must recognize the leadership structure established during the July 29 meeting.
INEC’s Position
The outburst follows INEC’s resolution on March 31, 2026, to scrub the names of the Mark-led NWC from its records. INEC officials stated the move was necessary to comply with appellate court “preservatory orders” intended to prevent any faction from gaining an advantage while the legal battle is ongoing.
While INEC has also refused to recognize Gombe as the Acting National Chairman, the commission’s refusal to deal with either faction has effectively paralyzed the party’s official operations.
Allegations of Political Interference
Beyond the legal technicalities, the ADC is alleging a darker motive. Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of “weaponizing” INEC to destabilize the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This is a clear attempt to dismantle the only viable platform for the coalition of opposition forces,” the statement continued. “INEC’s interference in the internal affairs of the ADC, despite clear evidence of our leadership transition, is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”
As of Thursday, INEC has not officially responded to the ADC’s allegations of contempt. The legal battle is expected to return to the Court of Appeal as both factions vie for control of the party’s machinery.
