Prosper Okoye
The African Democratic Congress has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling on its ongoing leadership crisis, describing the position as contradictory and influenced by external pressure.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s national spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised the electoral body’s decision to delist the party’s National Working Committee from its official portal.
The commission had earlier removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and national secretary of the party, respectively. It said the move was in compliance with a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the dispute between factions led by Mark and a rival group headed by Nafiu Bala, both of which claim control of the party’s national structure.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelResponding, Abdullahi said the commission’s position did not reflect the facts of the case and raised questions about its neutrality.
“We reject the commission’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” he said, alleging that the decision was influenced by political pressure linked to the party’s growing support.
He added that the party would review its options and announce its next steps, while urging members and supporters to remain calm.
Meanwhile, the electoral body said the appellate court, in a judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, directed all parties to maintain the situation that existed before the dispute and avoid actions that could undermine the case.
It explained that although the names of the current National Working Committee were uploaded to its portal on September 9, 2025, this occurred after a suit had already been filed on September 2, 2025. In line with the court’s order, the commission said the names would be removed pending final resolution of the case.
READ ALSO:
ADC Reserves 40% of Party Positions for Women — Spokesman
INEC, IPAC Clash Over Provisions Of Revised Electoral Act
10 Key Changes INEC Is Making Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections
The commission also rejected a request by Bala’s faction to recognise him as acting national chairman, saying such a move would violate the court’s directive. It added that all engagements with the party’s factions, including monitoring of meetings, congresses and conventions, would be suspended until a final ruling is delivered.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
