INEC Removes David Mark, Aregbesola from ADC Leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from their roles as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday and comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party, complicated by ongoing legal disputes.

The commission's action follows a judgment from the Court of Appeal regarding leadership claims within the ADC, which has led to multiple legal actions and uncertainty about the party's leadership structure. INEC emphasized the need for political actors to exercise restraint to avoid disrupting preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The commission received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman, cautioning against recognizing Nafiu Bala Gomb as the national chairman, as the matter remains under judicial consideration. INEC confirmed it received a separate summit from Gomb's legal representatives, urging the commission to cease engagement with Mark and Aregbesola due to their conflicting legal positions.