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Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has derecognised David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a leadership dispute within the party. The commission also removed their names from its official portal and suspended dealings with all factions of the party. 
INEC explained that its decision was based on conflicting legal claims from rival factions within the ADC, including a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of Mark’s leadership. The Court of Appeal had ordered all parties to maintain the existing situation until the case is resolved, prompting INEC to halt recognition of any group and avoid actions that could prejudice the court proceedings. 
The move has triggered strong reactions from opposition figures and parties, including the ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who described the action as politically motivated and a threat to democracy. Supporters of Peter Obi also warned that the decision could escalate tensions, while ADC leaders vowed to challenge it through legal means, further deepening Nigeria’s ongoing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections. 
