Why We Stopped Recognising David Mark-Led ADC Leadership — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained its decision to stop recognising the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, citing compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment and the need to uphold the rule of law.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the commission said its action followed a preservative order restraining it from taking steps that could affect ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court regarding the ADC leadership dispute.

INEC stated that continuing to recognise or monitor activities of the Mark-led executive would have amounted to disobedience of the court order, particularly as one of the reliefs sought in the suit was to stop the commission from supervising party meetings, congresses, or conventions.

The electoral body noted that it had initially recognised the Mark-led leadership on September 9, 2025—seven days after a suit challenging the development had already been filed in court. It said the directive to maintain the *status quo ante bellum* required a return to the position that existed before the dispute escalated.

According to INEC, its decision was also informed by past experiences, including cases in Zamfara and Plateau states where elected officials were removed by election tribunals due to non-compliance with pre-election court judgments.

The commission emphasised that it would not interfere in internal party disputes or allow itself to be used to resolve leadership crises within political parties, especially when such matters are before the courts.

INEC also dismissed allegations of bias and calls for the removal of its chairman, Joash Amupitan, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.

It reiterated that its actions are guided strictly by constitutional provisions, court orders, and the Electoral Act, maintaining that it remains committed to neutrality and the conduct of credible elections.

The commission added that its focus remains on strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process, including preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections and ongoing efforts to improve the integrity of the voter register.