Abuja, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that it will stop recognising communications from rival factions of the African Democratic Congress amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the electoral body said it reached the decision after reviewing a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, March 12, 2026. The commission explained that it will suspend official dealings with both the faction associated with former Senate President David Mark and the group led by Rafiu Bala.
The statement, signed by the commission’s Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, added that the electoral body will not accept correspondence from either group. It also confirmed that it will no longer monitor meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the factions until the leadership dispute is resolved by the Federal High Court.
Okay News reports that the commission also disclosed plans to remove the name of David Mark from its official portal, reflecting the suspension of recognition tied to the ongoing legal process.
The leadership conflict began after Rafiu Bala, who previously served as vice chairman of the party, challenged the emergence of David Mark and members of a caretaker committee at the party’s National Working Committee. Bala approached the courts, arguing that the process that produced the caretaker leadership was disputed.
The decision by the electoral commission means that neither faction will receive official engagement from the regulatory authority responsible for supervising political parties in Nigeria. This could affect internal party activities and preparations for future elections until a final judicial ruling clarifies which leadership structure is valid.
The development is expected to keep the party in administrative limbo, as both groups await a determination from the Federal High Court. Once the court delivers its decision, the electoral body is expected to resume recognition of the legitimate leadership.
