The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has received two letters about the leadership dispute in the African Democratic Congress ADC.
One letter from Suleiman Usman SAN and Co asked INEC not to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman because a case is still before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case is about who should lead the party.
Another letter from Summit Law Chambers, written for Nafiu Bala Gombe, asked INEC to enforce a Court of Appeal judgment. They requested that INEC stop recognising Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as party leaders, remove their names from its portal and avoid dealing with them.
Summit Law Chambers later accused INEC of ignoring the court order by inviting Senator David Mark’s group to a meeting and monitoring one of their gatherings. They also asked INEC to cancel that meeting, stop recognising the group and allow Nafiu Bala Gombe to lead the party until the court decides the case.
The Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that all parties must keep things as they were before the dispute started. It also ordered a quick hearing of the main case at the Federal High Court.
INEC said the current party leadership under Senator David Mark was formed after a meeting in July 2025. However, Nafiu Bala Gombe claims he never resigned and should lead the party as the remaining vice chairman.
After reviewing all documents and court orders, INEC decided to keep things as they were before the case was filed in September 2025. The commission said it will not take any action that could affect the court case.
INEC also rejected the request to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting chairman. It said it will not deal with any group or monitor party activities until the court gives a final decision.
The commission added that it will remove the names of the current party leaders from its portal to comply with the court order.
INEC said it remains neutral and will follow all court decisions. It also urged political parties to act carefully and not disrupt preparations for the 2027 general election.
