INEC stops ADC engagement over court orders
INEC Chairperson Joash Amupitan (SAN) has defended the commission's decision to cease all engagement with either faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating it is strictly adhering to preservative orders from the Court of Appeal. The orders, issued in March 2026, require all parties to maintain the "status quo ante bellum" and avoid actions that could prejudice the substantive suit pending at the Federal High Court.
The leadership crisis stems from a dispute between David Mark's faction and Nafiu Bala's faction over who legitimately controls the party following Ralph Nwosu's resignation. Amupitan explained that INEC's initial stance was to monitor, but a December 2025 motion by Bala's lawyers—seeking to restrain Mark's group and stop INEC from monitoring its meetings—combined with the appellate court's directive, forced a reconsideration. Recognising planned congresses and primaries by Mark's faction could amount to "foisting a fait accompli" on the court.
Amupitan denied accusations of bias, asserting INEC's interpretation of the court order is legally sound and aimed at preserving judicial integrity. The substantive dispute remains with the Federal High Court for final determination. Until that ruling, INEC will not recognise or interact with any ADC faction, effectively freezing the party's operational capacity. This decision underscores INEC's cautious approach to intervening in intra-party conflicts, prioritising court directives over party activities.