The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will stop recognising and dealing with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership led by Senator David Mark, as well as the faction led by Rafiu Bala.

INEC made this decision after it reviewed a Court of Appeal judgment issued on March 12, which dismissed an appeal connected to the leadership dispute within the party. Following the ruling, INEC said it will no longer accept communications from either faction. It will also stop engaging with them and will not monitor their meetings, congresses, or conventions until the matter is finally determined by the Federal High Court.

In addition, INEC said it will remove David Mark’s name from its portal.

The dispute traces back to events after the resignation of the National Working Committee led by Ralph Nwosu in July 2025. Senator David Mark then led a new caretaker committee. Rafiu Bala, along with others, challenged this development in court, arguing that he should be recognised as the party leadership after Nwosu’s resignation.

Bala filed the case in September 2025. After the matter was heard, the Court of Appeal eventually dismissed the appeal on March 12, 2026.

Based on that outcome, INEC said it is maintaining the status quo as it existed before the legal action was filed on September 2, 2025, pending the Federal High Court’s final decision.