ADC Crisis: Mark Challenges INEC Portal Decision

A leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress is deepening as a faction led by David Mark approaches the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking urgent judicial intervention over actions taken by the electoral body.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the legal move challenges the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the names of key party officials, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records and online portal.
The application is filed before Justice Emeka Nwite, with the plaintiffs seeking a mandatory injunction to reverse INEC’s decision and restore the party’s leadership structure as it existed before the dispute.
Legal representatives argue that INEC’s refusal to recognize the leadership and its decision not to monitor the party’s congresses and convention have created a vacuum, disrupting the internal administration of the party.
The suit also requests the court to compel INEC to reinstate all members of the National Working Committee on its portal, pending the determination of the substantive case.
At the center of the dispute is the interpretation of a March 12 judgment by the Court of Appeal, which directs all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” meaning the last uncontested state of affairs before the case begins.
According to the applicant’s counsel, Sulaiman Usman, INEC misinterprets this directive by removing the names of the party’s leadership, thereby altering the existing structure instead of preserving it.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the legal team contends that the electoral body’s action is not only inconsistent with the appellate court’s ruling but also risks rendering the entire case meaningless if not urgently addressed.
The plaintiffs further argue that the situation is creating confusion within the party, encouraging parallel leadership claims, and undermining its ability to participate effectively in Nigeria’s democratic process.
In addition to the injunction, the applicants are seeking accelerated hearing of the case, urging the court to fast-track proceedings due to the far-reaching implications on political participation and governance.
They request that all parties be directed to file and exchange legal processes within a shortened timeframe, and that the matter be heard on a day-to-day basis until final resolution.
Legal analysts note that internal party disputes, when left unresolved, can significantly impact electoral readiness, candidate selection processes, and overall democratic stability.
The case also highlights the critical role of INEC as a regulatory body responsible for maintaining accurate records of political parties while ensuring compliance with legal and constitutional provisions.
Observers say the outcome of the case could set an important precedent for how electoral bodies manage party leadership disputes and interpret court orders in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the origins of the dispute trace back to earlier legal battles involving party leadership, including a suit filed by a former party official challenging the legitimacy of the current structure.
The Federal High Court had previously declined to grant interim reliefs sought in the matter, directing all parties to be put on notice, while the Court of Appeal later intervenes by ordering maintenance of the status quo.
As the legal battle continues, stakeholders within the political space are closely monitoring developments, given the potential implications for party cohesion and electoral processes ahead of future elections.
The court is expected to determine whether INEC’s actions are lawful and whether the requested injunction should be granted to restore the previous leadership arrangement.
For now, uncertainty persists within the party, with both legal and political outcomes likely to shape its direction in the coming months.