By ifeoma Onyekachi

Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has removed the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official records as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), deepening the leadership crisis within the opposition party.

The Commission also announced that it would no longer recognise any faction within the party or monitor conventions and congresses organised by groups linked to the disputed leadership until ongoing court cases are resolved.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, has sparked controversy and intensified political tensions surrounding the party’s leadership structure.

INEC explained that its action was based on the ongoing leadership dispute in the ADC as well as a recent Court of Appeal judgment in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which further complicated the crisis within the party.

According to the Commission, it also received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman (SAN) & Co., cautioning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman while legal proceedings regarding the leadership dispute are still pending in court.

INEC further stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is currently seeking to be declared National Chairman through the courts, until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the substantive suit.

In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC emphasised that it remained neutral in the matter and would only act in accordance with the law and court rulings.

However, the Commission’s decision has generated strong reactions from the ADC and several political figures across the country.

ADC Accuses Federal Government of Political Pressure

Reacting to the development, the African Democratic Congress accused INEC of acting under pressure from the Federal Government, alleging that the ruling administration was uncomfortable with the party’s growing political influence.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described INEC’s decision as contradictory and flawed, insisting that it did not reflect the facts of the leadership situation within the party.

He alleged that the Commission had succumbed to political pressure and taken sides against opposition parties.

The party spokesperson said the ADC was currently reviewing the situation and would announce its next line of action soon.

He added that the party had anticipated the Commission’s decision, claiming the government was worried about the party’s rising political momentum despite what he described as persistent attacks on opposition parties.

Lawyer Raises Concerns Over 2027 Elections

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, also criticised INEC’s decision, warning that the developments surrounding the ADC crisis could undermine credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Effiong argued that available information indicated that members of the party’s executive committee had resigned to allow for a new leadership led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, which was later ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee.

He questioned why the judiciary was involved in what had traditionally been considered internal party matters and referenced the Court of Appeal’s directive for parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, suggesting that the order may have created uncertainty about the party’s leadership structure.

The lawyer further alleged that the situation could be part of a broader plan to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle.

Dino Melaye Blames Ruling Party

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye also reacted strongly, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

In a post on social media, Melaye described the situation as “satanic and wicked,” alleging that the ruling party was behind the crisis within opposition parties.

He said recent political realignments involving Rabiu Kwankwaso and other opposition figures would expose what he described as the ruling party’s agenda, adding that opposition politicians would resist any attempt to suppress political competition.

Shehu Sani Compares ADC Crisis to Used Vehicle Problems

Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, offered a different perspective, comparing the ADC’s leadership crisis to inheriting a used vehicle with multiple mechanical problems.

According to him, taking over an existing political party often comes with structural and internal challenges, unlike registering a new political party from scratch.

He noted that inheriting an existing political structure often means dealing with longstanding internal conflicts and organisational weaknesses, which he said was the situation currently facing the ADC.

Nafiu Bala’s Alleged Resignation Letter Emerges

Meanwhile, an alleged resignation letter said to have been written by Nafiu Bala has surfaced online, adding another dimension to the leadership crisis.

In the letter dated May 18, 2025, Bala reportedly stated that he resigned from his position as a member of the party’s National Working Committee effective May 26, 2025, to allow for a smooth coalition and restructuring process within the party.

Although the authenticity of the letter has not been independently verified, its emergence has further intensified tensions within the party’s leadership.

Ongoing Legal Battle

With multiple court cases still pending and INEC suspending recognition of all factions, the leadership crisis within the ADC appears far from over.

Political observers say the outcome of the court rulings could significantly determine the future leadership structure of the party and its role in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.