Abuja, 1 April 2026 – Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered a complete freeze on all activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including congresses, conventions and any leadership communications, until a leadership dispute is resolved by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Commission announced the decision following a meeting on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, saying it was complying with a Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo ante bellum – the position that existed before 2 September 2025, when the case was filed.
In a strongly worded statement, INEC confirmed it had received a letter dated 28 March 2026 from the faction led by Senator David Mark. The letter notified the Commission of planned ADC congresses and a national convention, along with a revised schedule first submitted on 27 February 2026.
The Commission also disclosed that it had previously approved the upload of names of a new National Working Committee led by Senator Mark on 9 September 2025 – seven days after the court case began. Those names will now be removed from the INEC portal to restore the pre-litigation position.
INEC explicitly rejected a request from the plaintiff’s solicitors to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to assume control of the party’s affairs pending the court’s final decision. It said it would not receive any further communication from either side, nor monitor or recognise any meetings, congresses or conventions convened by any group claiming to represent the ADC.
The Commission stressed that its actions were designed to avoid “foisting a fait accompli on the court” or undermining the proceedings at the Federal High Court.
In its conclusion, INEC reiterated its commitment to neutrality and strict adherence to judicial orders. It urged all political parties and stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly so as not to jeopardise the electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections.
The statement was signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
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