Nigeria’s main opposition coalition suffered a major setback Wednesday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal, deepening an internal crisis within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
INEC said it had deleted the names of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s national chairman and secretary, respectively. The commission also declined to recognize a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, citing an ongoing court case.
In a statement, INEC said it would suspend all dealings with the party’s competing factions pending the outcome of a lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja. It added that it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organized by either group.
The electoral body said its decision followed a ruling by the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” — the situation before the legal dispute began — while the case is resolved.
The move is a significant blow to the ADC, which has recently gained momentum as a coalition platform for prominent opposition figures ahead of the next general elections.
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode had earlier warned that the party risked being unable to field a presidential candidate if it failed to resolve its internal disputes.
“They should get their house in order,” he said in a social media post, cautioning that continued infighting could lead to political failure.
The ADC, however, rejected INEC’s decision, accusing the commission of acting under pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling as “contradictory” and alleged it was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition forces.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation,” the statement said. “It is clear the commission has sided with the government against the Nigerian people.”
The party said it is reviewing its legal options and urged supporters to remain calm.
The crisis stems from a leadership dispute that began after the resignation of former chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu in July 2025, which led to the emergence of a new executive committee headed by Mark.
Gombe, a former deputy chairman, challenged the transition, arguing he did not resign and should assume leadership under the party’s constitution. He subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking recognition as acting chairman.
INEC said it had received conflicting legal communications from both factions following the appellate court ruling and would remain neutral until the matter is resolved.
Earlier Wednesday, supporters of Gombe staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding recognition of his leadership. The commission said its top officials were out of the capital on official duty.
The dispute has raised concerns about the stability of the ADC-led opposition coalition, which includes several high-profile politicians who recently defected from other parties.
Political analysts say the crisis mirrors internal divisions that have weakened other opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
