INEC has pulled the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress off its website, obeying a March 12, 2026 Court of Appeal order that tells both warring factions to “keep the peace” until the Federal High Court in Abuja settles the party’s leadership tussle.
The commission’s statement, released Wednesday night, says the names of Mark’s executives were uploaded on 9 September 2025—seven days after the suit began. Because the suit was already pending, the appellate court told INEC to restore the pre-dispute situation; yanking the list is the commission’s way of complying.
INEC also refused a request from the rival camp, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, to install Bala as acting national chairman. Granting it, the commission argues, would pre-empt the court. For the same reason, INEC is suspending all dealings with either faction—no monitoring of meetings, congresses or conventions—until the judge rules.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” the statement ends.
