By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal statement, alleging that the commission has abandoned its neutrality by siding with the federal government.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected INEC’s position, describing it as “contradictory and inconsistent with facts.” The party claimed that INEC was acting under pressure from a government it characterized as “jittery” due to the ADC’s growing momentum.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” the statement read. “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.”

The ADC accused the electoral commission of caving to political pressure, asserting that it has effectively chosen to align with the government against the Nigerian people. The party vowed to publicly clarify what it called the contradictions in INEC’s statement.

According to the release, the ADC is currently reviewing its legal and political options and will announce its next steps in the coming days. The party urged its members and the public to remain steadfast.

“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,” the statement concluded, adding the slogans: “Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”

Ambassador Abdulrahman Mai Nasara Salga, a prominent ADC leader from Dala, Kano, has welcomed the influx of influential politicians into the party, describing it as a sign of ADC’s growing acceptance.

Salga, who contested for the federal legislature in Dala during the 2023 general election, says the party’s progress is heartening, having worked tirelessly to promote ADC’s agenda and position it as a viable alternative for good governance.

He highlights the entry of Kwankwasiyya leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, and APC’s 2025 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, among others, as major boosts that are transforming ADC into a formidable opposition force.

Salga believes these developments signal a shift towards justice and better leadership in Kano and Nigeria. He urges party leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Kwankwaso, to unite for success in 2027.

The ADC leader pledges continued efforts to promote the party’s ideals, expressing optimism for a brighter future with these influential additions.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally updated its official portal to reflect changes in the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling the commission’s recognition of the leadership dispute within the party.

The commission confirmed that the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark followed a detailed review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment and an ongoing suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to INEC, the decision comes after receiving conflicting legal representations from the two factions vying for control of the party. One faction, loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the appellate court’s ruling, which includes withdrawing recognition from the Mark-led NWC. The other faction, aligned with Mr. Mark, advised INEC against recognizing Mr. Gombe as acting national chairman, citing the pending legal proceedings.

The leadership crisis traces back to July 2025, when the ADC’s former leadership resigned, paving the way for a new executive committee headed by Mr. Mark. Mr. Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged this transition, arguing that the party’s constitution mandates his ascension to the leadership role.

In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mr. Mark. The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the state of affairs before the crisis—pending the resolution of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court.