INEC cuts ties with ADC factions, halts party engagement pending court ruling

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced it will no longer accept correspondences or engage with either faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party. This follows INEC's review of a Court of Appeal judgment from March 12. In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu, Chairman of Information and Voter Education, INEC confirmed it will cease monitoring any ADC meetings, congresses, or conventions until the Federal High Court resolves the ongoing dispute between the David Mark-led faction and the Rafiu Bala-led faction.

The commission also stated it will remove David Mark's name from its portal. The conflict stems from Rafiu Bala, former ADC vice chairman, legally challenging the takeover by the David Mark-led caretaker committee and the National Working Committee.

This suspension freezes ADC's formal interactions with Nigeria's electoral body, potentially disrupting the party's preparations for the 2027 elections. ADC members seeking INEC services must now await the court's determination on which faction legitimately represents the party. The Federal High Court case remains pending with no set judgment date.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/01/inec-discontinues-recognition-of-david-mark-led-adc/