ADC Rejects INEC’s Removal Of David Mark-Led NWC Due To Appeal Court Ruling

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pushed back against the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to remove the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) from its official portal.

In a statement on Wednesday, INEC’s Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, said the commission would no longer recognise letters from either of the two rival ADC factions led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala.

He explained that the decision followed the INEC’s review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.

Kudu also stated that INEC would suspend all dealings with both camps, including the monitoring of their meetings, congresses, and conventions, until the matter pending before the Federal High Court is resolved.

According to him, the commission received two separate letters on March 16, 2026, both presenting conflicting claims over the party’s leadership crisis.

Reacting to the development, the ADC dismissed INEC’s reading of the appellate court’s judgment on the dispute.

In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the electoral body of giving in to pressure from a government worried about the growing strength of the opposition.

Abdullahi claimed the government had continued trying to weaken opposition parties in an attempt to impose a one-party system in Nigeria.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” the statement reads.

“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see.

“What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.”

Abdullahi added that the party is currently considering its available options and will soon make its next move known.

He also urged party members and supporters to stay committed and calm while waiting for further instructions.

“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.

“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives.

‘Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising,” the statement added.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently reaffirmed his commitment to protecting democracy, upholding the rule of law, and promoting unity across Nigeria.