The African Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and allies of Peter Obi have condemned the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to de-recognise key leaders of the ADC, warning of potential political fallout.
INEC announced on Wednesday that it had removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal, citing a Court of Appeal order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a leadership dispute within the party.
The commission also said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the decision followed conflicting legal claims by rival factions and was based strictly on a March 12, 2026 appellate court ruling.
According to the commission, the court directed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” and refrain from actions that could prejudice ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC said it would suspend all engagement with ADC factions, including monitoring of meetings and recognition of party activities, until the case is determined.
Reacting, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi rejected INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling, insisting that the status quo should reflect the leadership structure before the legal dispute—when Mark was in charge.
He alleged that the move was part of a broader attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress to destabilise opposition parties.
“This indicates only one thing—that they are yielding to pressure from enemies of democracy, and we are going to resist it by all legal means possible,” Abdullahi said.
The PDP, through its spokesperson Ini Ememobong, also accused the government of interfering in opposition parties and undermining democratic processes.
He described the situation as a “national tragedy,” warning that continued interference could weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
The Obidient Movement, a support group for Peter Obi, also criticised the decision. Its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, warned that INEC’s action could trigger a crisis.
“This is completely unacceptable. Nigeria will face catastrophic consequences if this continues,” he said, alleging political bias in the commission’s decision.
However, a faction of the ADC loyal to Gombe backed INEC’s move, describing it as lawful and consistent with the Court of Appeal ruling.
The faction, through an aide, said the decision demonstrated the commission’s neutrality and commitment to due process amid the party’s deepening leadership crisis.
The dispute stems from the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark in 2025, which was challenged by Gombe, who argued he should assume leadership following the resignation of the former chairman.
With INEC suspending recognition of all factions, the crisis within the ADC remains unresolved, raising concerns over its implications for opposition politics ahead of future elections.
