INEC removes ADC leaders, raising 2027 opposition concerns

INEC has removed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national leadership from its official portal, effectively declaring the party non-existent amid an internal dispute. This follows a Court of Appeal judgment on March 12, 2026, which ordered maintenance of the status quo ante bellum in the conflict between Senator David Mark's faction and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe. INEC interpreted the order as reverting to the pre-September 2, 2025 state, striking off the current National Working Committee led by Mark. The commission will not monitor any ADC meetings or congresses until the Federal High Court resolves the matter, crippling the party's activities just before its scheduled national congress and convention.

This move intensifies political tension, with ADC figures like Kenneth Okonkwo and Aisha Yesufu accusing INEC of bias and serving the ruling APC's interests to eliminate opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. They argue the court order does not require deregistering the party and note that Gombe, who resigned in writing, cannot unilaterally claim leadership. APC denied involvement, dismissing ADC as a "confused" party destined to collapse.

Legal context: The Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal and stressed that internal party affairs are generally not justiciable, urging an accelerated hearing. INEC received conflicting letters from law firms representing both factions and chose neutrality by avoiding engagement with either side. ADC's former chairman Ralph Nwosu claims Gombe resigned and INEC is aware, suggesting external pressure influences the decision.

With a major opposition party in limbo, questions arise about electoral integrity and the health of multiparty democracy. How can Nigerians ensure a competitive 2027 election? Should legal challenges be pursued, or is broader civic mobilization needed to defend the opposition space?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/04/adc-emotions-boil-as-inec-puts-major-opposition-in-limbo/