According to a report by the Punch on Friday, April 2, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission is facing mounting criticism after it withdrew recognition of key leaders within the African Democratic Congress, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, following a court directive tied to an ongoing leadership dispute.
The commission explained that its decision was guided by a Court of Appeal order instructing all parties to preserve the existing situation until the matter is resolved at the Federal High Court. Consequently, INEC removed the names of the affected officials from its records and suspended dealings with all factions of the party pending the court’s final ruling.
The move has been strongly opposed by stakeholders in the opposition, including members of the Peoples Democratic Party and allies of Peter Obi, who argue that the action threatens democratic stability and weakens opposition structures.
ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi rejected INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling, insisting that maintaining the status quo should reflect the leadership arrangement that existed before the dispute, which recognised David Mark as the party leader.
Criticism also came from PDP officials, who alleged that the situation reflects a broader pattern of interference in opposition parties. According to them, “The APC government is afraid of the quit notice Nigerians are giving them”, suggesting that the ruling party is reacting to growing dissatisfaction among citizens.
The crisis stems from claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who maintains that he should have taken over leadership of the party after the resignation of the former chairman. His legal challenge has created parallel claims to authority, prompting judicial intervention and INEC’s current stance.
While critics see the commission’s action as controversial, the faction aligned with Gombe has supported the move, describing it as lawful and consistent with the need to respect ongoing court proceedings.
The development underscores deepening divisions within the opposition and raises concerns about the potential impact on party cohesion and the broader democratic process as future elections approach.
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