ADC rejects INEC’s decision to remove David Mark, Aregbesola, says commission now under APC control

He said INEC acted under pressure from the government.

Abiodun Sanusi • April 1, 2026

David Mark [Credit: X]

The African Democratic Party has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s interpretation of the ruling of the Court of Appeal on the party’s leadership dispute.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s national publicity secretary, said INEC acted under pressure from the government.

“The electoral body acted under pressure from a government panicked by the opposition momentum despite its efforts to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on Nigeria,” the ADC alleged.

The party said INEC’s press statement was full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason, adding that the electoral commission had caved to pressure and chosen to side with the government.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. 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 statement reads further.

The ADC also called on members to remain steadfast, noting that the party is currently reviewing its options and will announce its next steps soon.

INEC on Wednesday announced the removal of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the African Democratic Congress, respectively, citing a ruling of the Court of Appeal.

The electoral commission also removed the chairman of the ADC faction, Nafiu Bala Gombe, following its review of the Court of Appeal judgment dated March 12, 2026.

INEC announced its decision on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, following its review of a judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which arose from a leadership dispute within the ADC.

The electoral commission said it would also remove the names of members of the party’s factional National Working Committee led by Mr Mark from its official portal, in compliance with the court’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum.”

INEC noted that the decision meant that it would no longer recognise anyone as an executive member or leader of the party pending the final determination of an ongoing case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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