Nigeria TV Info 

INEC Derecognises Mark, Aregbesola Amid ADC Leadership Crisis; Parties, Opposition Protest

Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn official recognition of Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), escalating a deepening leadership dispute within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, INEC said it took the step to remove the duo’s names from its official portal and suspend engagement with all competing factions of the ADC, following a Court of Appeal judgment ordering all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” in the ongoing legal tussle over the party’s leadership.

INEC clarified it will not recognise rival claimant Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe either, who is seeking to be declared ADC National Chairman through the courts. The commission also said it would refrain from monitoring any conventions, congresses or party activities connected to any faction until the substantive case before the Federal High Court is determined.

Opposition Outcry and Political Backlash

The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling, accusing the electoral body of yielding to pressure from the federal government and undermining democratic norms. The party described the move as inconsistent with the appellate court’s directive and asserted it would pursue options to challenge the decision.

Supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi and opposition members have also condemned the development, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic fabric and could fuel political tensions nationwide.

Legal and Electoral Implications

INEC’s action comes amid conflicting legal letters from lawyers representing rival factions within the ADC, each pressing the commission to recognise or derecognise certain leaders based on different interpretations of ongoing court orders. The Commission has emphasised neutrality, cautioning political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The dispute originated from rival claims to the ADC leadership following the resignation of its previous executive committee and subsequent court filings challenging the legitimacy of the new leadership structure.