By Modupe Coker, JKNewsMedia Contributor
STATUS QUO in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is to be maintained as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets out its position following a Court of Appeal decision in Appeal No. CA ABJ 145 2026.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the commission confirmed it received a letter from the law firm of Suleiman Usman SAN and Co dated 16 March 2026 signed by Muhammed Kudu Haruna, and titled “Notice of Pending Proceedings Before the Federal High Court and Caution Against Any Purported Recognition of Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman of the ADC” written on behalf of concerned stakeholders within the party.
INEC said it also acknowledged a separate letter from Summit Law Chambers dated 16 March 2026 titled Demand for Enforcement of the Orders Made by the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in Appeal No CA ABJ 145 2026 Senator David Mark v Hon Nafiu Bala Gombe and 4 Ors written on behalf of Hon Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The commission stated that the letter from Suleiman Usman SAN and Co urged it not to recognise Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman of the party on account of a pending suit before the Federal High Court Abuja in Suit No FHC ABJ CS 1819 2025 where the leadership of the party is being contested.
It noted that the letter from Summit Law Chambers attached a certified true copy of the judgment of the Court of Appeal and requested the commission to enforce the judgment including ceasing recognition of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively removing their names from the commission portal and refraining from recognising any actions taken by them in respect of the party.
The commission stated that following the judgment of the Court of Appeal it also received further letters from the solicitors to Senator David Mark’s group and Hon Nafiu Bala Gombe making claims and counter claims to the leadership of the party and making several demands on the commission.
It also confirmed receipt on 31 March 2026 of a letter dated 28 March 2026 from Senator David Mark’s group notifying it of the schedule of ADC congresses and national convention as well as a revised schedule of activities earlier contained in their letter of 27 February 2026.
The commission further stated that a request dated 29 July 2025 for the submission of the names of new principal officers of the party for upload on its portal was received on 4 September 2025 and approved on 9 September 2025.
Consequently, at its meeting on Tuesday 31 March 2026, the commission said it resolved to maintain the status quo ante bellum as directed by the Court of Appeal based on the facts and position of the parties existing before 2 September 2025 when the case was filed.
INEC stated that it would refrain from taking any step capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court having regard to all processes filed.
The commission also stated that it refused to accede to the request of the plaintiff’s solicitors to allow Hon Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of the party pending the determination of the case.
It added that it would not receive further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and would not monitor any meeting congress or convention convened on behalf of the party by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court Abuja.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports the commission as further stating that the names of the current National Working Committee (NWC) members led by Senator David Mark which were uploaded on 9 September 2025 would be removed from its portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal.
In its judgment delivered on 12 March 2026, media reports note that the Court of Appeal had dismissed the interlocutory appeal by Senator David Mark and made preservatory orders directing parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from taking steps capable of rendering the proceedings before the trial court nugatory.
Meanwhile, the court also ordered accelerated hearing in Suit No FHC ABJ CS 1819 2025 and awarded cost of N2000000.00 in favour of the 1st respondent.
Letters Received by INEC
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