Political tension is increasing across Nigeria after the Independent National Electoral Commission removed the names of leaders of the African Democratic Congress from its official portal.

This action by INEC suggests that the ADC currently has no recognised leadership, creating confusion about the party’s status.

Members of the party have expressed anger over the decision, especially because it happened just days before their planned congresses and national convention.

INEC had earlier announced on April 1, 2026, that it would maintain the existing situation in the ADC leadership dispute. This decision followed a ruling by the Court of Appeal in a case involving David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.

The commission explained that it carefully reviewed the court judgment delivered in March and also considered a related case still pending at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

INEC revealed that it received two different letters from separate law firms representing opposing groups within the party.

One letter, written on behalf of some ADC stakeholders, warned INEC not to recognise Gombe as Acting National Chairman while the court case is still ongoing.

Another letter from lawyers representing Gombe asked INEC to follow the Court of Appeal judgment by withdrawing recognition from David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as party leaders.

The commission also mentioned another complaint accusing INEC of not obeying the court’s decision by engaging with David Mark’s group in meetings.

INEC recalled that the Court of Appeal had dismissed an appeal by David Mark and ordered all parties to maintain the situation as it was before the case started, pending final judgment.

The court also directed that the case should be handled quickly and warned both sides not to take actions that could affect the outcome.

INEC explained that the current party leadership came from a meeting held in July 2025 after the former chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, stepped down.

However, Gombe insisted he never resigned and believes he should take over leadership based on the party’s constitution.

He later filed a lawsuit asking the court to stop David Mark’s group from acting as leaders and to compel INEC to recognise him.

INEC noted that David Mark’s leadership team was officially uploaded to its system in September 2025 after a request was made.

After reviewing everything, INEC decided to return to the situation before the lawsuit was filed and avoid taking sides until the court gives a final ruling.

The commission also said it would not recognise any faction, accept communications, or monitor any party activities until the case is resolved.

As part of this, INEC removed the names of all current ADC leaders from its portal.

Speaking on the issue, Kenneth Okonkwo strongly criticised INEC, calling the decision unfair and accusing the commission of failing to remain neutral.

He argued that the commission should act independently and not be influenced by any arm of government.

Okonkwo questioned why INEC would claim the party has no leadership when internal disputes are normal in politics.

He also compared the situation to other parties where INEC recognised leadership despite ongoing court cases.

According to him, it is wrong for INEC to appear to support one individual against the majority of party members.

He warned that such actions could damage democracy and suggested that Nigerians may react if democratic processes are not respected.

Okonkwo insisted that the court did not order INEC to remove the party leaders and called on the commission to reverse its decision immediately.

Also reacting, Aisha Yesufu questioned why some political actors seem afraid, despite claiming strong support across the country.

She said the party is focused on engaging Nigerians and does not feel threatened by the situation.

Yesufu accused INEC of acting in a biased way and not properly following the court’s ruling.

She also suggested that some political forces may be trying to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.

Despite the challenges, she said the party remains determined and will not back down.

Former minister Solomon Dalung also criticised the interpretation of the court ruling, saying INEC misunderstood the meaning of maintaining the previous situation.

He argued that the decision could create confusion and questioned why legal experts would misinterpret such a clear directive.

Dalung encouraged the ADC to continue its planned activities while respecting the court order.

Former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu described the situation as one of the biggest political controversies he has seen.

He accused INEC of not acting fairly and claimed the decision may have been influenced by political interests.

Nwosu insisted that Gombe had already resigned and that the party followed all proper procedures.

He added that the party would continue with its congresses and activities regardless of INEC’s position.

ADC Deputy National Chairman, Patricia Akwashiki, said the situation appears designed to discourage members and weaken the party.

She warned that efforts to silence opposition voices could harm democracy and called on Nigerians to defend democratic values.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress denied any involvement in the crisis.

The ruling party dismissed the ADC’s claims and described the party as disorganised and full of baseless accusations.