The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Abdulahi, has called for calm and adherence to due process following the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) from its official portal.
Reacting to the development, the party’s spokesperson said the ADC was carefully reviewing INEC’s action and the underlying Court of Appeal judgment, stressing that all stakeholders must respect the rule of law while the matter remains before the courts.
“The party remains committed to democratic principles and due process. We urge our members and supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions as the legal process unfolds,” he said.
The party described INEC’s actions as a surrender to external political influence. “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” he stated.
He added that the statement from the commission contained logical inconsistencies that the party intended to make public.
“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. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
As the political climate intensifies, the ADC confirmed it is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its legal and political options to address the de-listing of its top leadership. While a formal challenge is expected in the coming days, the party called on its supporters to remain calm and await further instructions. “We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon. Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives. Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising,” Abdullahi concluded.
INEC had, on Wednesday, announced the removal of the names of the NWC led by David Mark from its portal, citing compliance with a March 12, 2026 ruling of the Court of Appeal. The judgment directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the commission, although the Mark-led NWC was uploaded on September 9, 2025, the action came after a legal challenge had already been filed, necessitating the reversal to avoid interfering with judicial proceedings.
INEC also declined a request by a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala to recognise him as acting national chairman, warning that such recognition would violate the appellate court’s directive. It further announced a suspension of all engagements with the party’s factions, including the monitoring of meetings and conventions, until a final court decision is reached.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party,” INEC stated.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Bala faction staged a protest at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, demanding the recognition of their leader in line with their interpretation of the court ruling.
The demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as “Obey the Court” and “INEC must recognise Nafiu Bala,” accusing the electoral body of undermining judicial authority.
Speaking during the protest, Abimiku Monday, Special Adviser on Strategy to Bala, alleged that INEC had failed to act despite being notified of the court decision, warning that such actions could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
Other speakers, including activist Abdullahi Ahmed and civil society leader Basah Mohammed, said the protest was aimed at defending democratic principles and called for institutional accountability.
However, INEC maintained that its actions strictly followed the court order, which it said required all parties to refrain from steps that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
Addressing the protesters, INEC’s Assistant Director of Security, Mohammed Hamma, appealed for calm and assured them that their petition would be delivered to the commission’s leadership.
The ADC leadership crisis, involving the Mark-led faction and Bala’s camp, remains the subject of multiple legal battles, with both sides seeking judicial affirmation of their claims. The dispute now awaits final resolution in court, as INEC distances itself from all party-related activities pending the outcome.
