Amid an ongoing leadership dispute, ADC rejects INEC interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, challenging the position taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission on the party’s structure.
The African Democratic Congress said the electoral body’s interpretation does not reflect the facts of the case and raises concerns about consistency.
The reaction follows INEC’s decision affecting recognition of the party’s leadership.
The dispute stems from a leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress involving factions led by former Senate President David Mark and another group.
The matter has been subject to legal proceedings, including a ruling by the Court of Appeal delivered on March 12, 2026.
INEC, in its interpretation of the ruling, stated that it would maintain the status quo and refrain from recognising any faction pending the resolution of the matter before the Federal High Court.
The commission also indicated that it would suspend engagement with both factions in line with the appellate court’s directive.
The electoral body further explained that its position was guided by the need to avoid actions that could undermine ongoing judicial proceedings or pre-empt the final determination of the case.
In response, the party maintained that ADC rejects INEC interpretation of the ruling, describing it as inconsistent with both facts and the court’s decision.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said: “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling.”
He further stated: “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.”
Abdullahi also alleged that the commission’s position may have been influenced by external pressure, adding that the party would address the issues raised in INEC’s statement.
Earlier, INEC had taken steps to remove the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.
The commission said its action was in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending further judicial proceedings.
INEC also noted that it received conflicting communications from different factions within the party, which informed its decision to suspend recognition of either group until the legal dispute is resolved.
The development where ADC rejects INEC interpretation highlights the intersection of electoral administration and internal party disputes within Nigeria’s political system.
The situation underscores the role of the judiciary in resolving leadership conflicts and the responsibility of electoral bodies to act within legal boundaries while maintaining neutrality.
The disagreement may also influence internal party cohesion and broader political alignments, particularly as parties prepare for future electoral contests.
