INEC Maintains Status Quo In ADC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is reaffirming its position on the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, following a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja.
The electoral body says it is carefully reviewing legal developments and communications from all parties involved in the dispute over the party’s national leadership structure.
According to Mediaplusng.com, INEC confirms receiving multiple correspondences from legal representatives of contending stakeholders, each presenting opposing interpretations of the Court of Appeal judgment and making separate demands on the Commission.
One set of legal প্রতিনিধatives is urging INEC not to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman, citing ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They are calling on the Commission to implement the Court of Appeal decision, including ceasing recognition of Senator David Mark’s leadership group and removing their names from INEC’s official records.
Further allegations suggest that INEC may have acted contrary to court directives by engaging with one faction during recent political meetings and activities linked to the party.
According to Mediaplusng.com, these claims intensify scrutiny on the Commission’s role as an impartial regulator in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Commission explains that the Court of Appeal ruling delivered in March 2026 dismisses an interlocutory appeal and issues preservatory orders aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the ongoing case before the Federal High Court.
It directs all parties to maintain the status quo and avoid actions that could prejudice the final determination of the substantive suit currently pending.
The Commission recounts that the current National Working Committee of the ADC emerges after a leadership transition in July 2025, following resignations of previous executives and subsequent ratification of new party officials.
Nafiu Bala Gombe maintains that he did not resign and argues that he should assume leadership based on party constitutional provisions after the exit of the former chairman.
This disagreement leads to a suit filed at the Federal High Court, seeking judicial interpretation and orders on party leadership recognition, including directives to INEC.
Subsequent legal actions include motions and appeals challenging jurisdiction and seeking interim reliefs to prevent either faction from taking control pending final judgment.
The Commission states that it has reviewed the Court of Appeal judgment alongside all filings before the trial court, noting that the matter remains unresolved at the substantive level.
INEC announces that it will maintain the status quo as it existed before the legal action commenced, in strict compliance with the Court of Appeal’s preservatory orders.
It states clearly that it will not take any action that could influence the outcome of the case or undermine ongoing judicial proceedings.
According to Mediaplusng.com, INEC also declines requests to recognise any faction as the legitimate leadership of the ADC pending the final determination by the Federal High Court.
INEC says it will not process further correspondence, recognise decisions, or monitor activities such as congresses, conventions, or meetings organised by any faction of the party for now.
As part of efforts to comply with the court directive, the Commission indicates that previously uploaded names of party officials will be removed from its portal to reflect a neutral position.
INEC reiterates its commitment to impartiality, stressing that its actions are guided strictly by the rule of law and judicial pronouncements.
Political parties and stakeholders are urged to act responsibly and avoid steps that could disrupt the electoral timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers note that the dispute underscores the importance of internal party democracy and legal clarity in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The final resolution now rests with the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the substantive case on ADC leadership is expected to be determined.
The Commission’s position signals a cautious approach, prioritising legal compliance and institutional neutrality as the judicial process continues.