Appeal Court Blocks INEC from Recognizing Mark-led ADC Congresses

The Appeal Court has issued a ruling preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acknowledging the state congresses organized under the leadership of Senator David Mark of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This decision follows a split judgment from a three-member panel, with two justices upholding a restraining order from the Federal High Court, which was delivered on April 29, 2026.

Justice Okon Abang emphasized that political parties must adhere to their constitutional guidelines when conducting state congresses. The court found that the ADC violated its own constitution by appointing a caretaker committee and conducting congresses without proper authority, rendering such actions null and void.

The dissenting opinion from Justice Abba Mohammed argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, labeling the case as premature. The ruling affects the validity of the ADC's state executive committees and their tenure pending proper congresses.