The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has escalated the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by removing the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the party, INEC also announced it would suspend recognition of all factions within the ADC and refrain from monitoring any congresses or conventions organised by rival groups until the courts resolve the dispute.
The commission said its decision followed a subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, alongside ongoing litigation at the Federal High Court.
INEC further clarified that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts, citing the need to maintain neutrality and comply strictly with judicial directives.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission remains committed to impartiality, adding that the decision would stand pending final determination of the case.
The development has, however, triggered outrage within the ADC and drawn sharp reactions from political figures and civil society voices.
Reacting, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi accused INEC of acting under pressure from the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming the government is “jittery” over the party’s rising political influence.
He described the commission’s decision as contradictory and biased, insisting the party would soon announce its next line of action.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also criticised the move, warning of a potential threat to credible elections ahead of 2027. He alleged a “sinister conspiracy” to weaken opposition parties and questioned whether INEC’s actions could pave the way for an uncontested presidential race.
“If it is the desire of INEC for Tinubu to run unopposed in 2027, let the Commission say so publicly,” Effiong said.
Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye did not hold back, describing the situation as “satanic and wicked,” and accusing the ruling party of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
On a more critical note, ex-lawmaker Shehu Sani likened the ADC to a “used vehicle riddled with faults,” arguing that inheriting an existing political structure often comes with deep-rooted challenges.
Meanwhile, fresh controversy has emerged with the circulation of an alleged resignation letter attributed to Nafiu Bala Gombe, dated May 18, 2025, in which he reportedly stepped down from the party’s National Working Committee to allow for restructuring. The authenticity of the letter, however, remains unverified.
With multiple factions, legal battles, and mounting political tension, the ADC’s internal crisis continues to intensify, raising broader concerns about opposition unity and the evolving dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
