The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn its recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal.

The development stems from an ongoing leadership crisis in the party, pitting the faction led by former Senate President David Mark (as National Chairman) and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (as National Secretary) against a rival group associated with Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman.

According to reports, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, in a ruling delivered around mid-March 2026, dismissed an appeal filed by Senator Mark challenging an earlier decision of the Federal High Court. The appellate court struck out the appeal on procedural grounds, describing it as incompetent because it was filed against an interlocutory ruling without the required leave of court. It also directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum (the situation as it existed before the dispute escalated) pending the determination of the substantive suit at the lower court.

Factional leader Nafiu Bala Gombe subsequently wrote to INEC, arguing that the Appeal Court’s order effectively nullified the recognition previously granted to the Mark-led executive and threatened contempt proceedings against the electoral body if it continued to accord recognition to that leadership.

INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition appears to be in response to this interpretation of the appellate judgment and related petitions from the rival faction. The electoral commission had earlier recognized Mark and Aregbesola as the party’s national leaders following internal processes within the ADC.

The Mark-led ADC faction has consistently maintained that the Court of Appeal ruling was purely procedural and did not affect the legitimacy or tenure of its leadership. Party officials urged members not to panic, describing the judgment as preserving the status quo without sacking the current executives. Several state chapters have also disowned suits seeking to remove Mark.

The crisis has lingered for months, with multiple court cases filed by different factions. Earlier attempts to secure injunctions restraining INEC from recognizing Mark and Aregbesola were refused by the Federal High Court. Other suits challenging the leadership, including one involving former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, have also been dismissed.

Political observers note that the withdrawal of recognition could have significant implications for the ADC’s participation in future elections, including the ability to submit candidate lists and access party funds or facilities. The substantive suit before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, which will determine the authentic leadership of the party, is still pending.

As at the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Mark-led ADC had issued an official statement confirming or reacting to the withdrawal of recognition. The development further deepens the internal divisions within what was positioned by some as a potential opposition platform ahead of future polls.

The African Democratic Congress has been embroiled in leadership tussles since Mark and Aregbesola assumed roles in the party, with accusations of constitutional breaches and external influences flying between factions. The final resolution now rests with the courts.

A frontline broadcaster with Arise News, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, has declared her intention to represent Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the upcoming election 2027.

“This transition is, for me, a continuation of service, just on a different platform. I have had the privilege of telling the stories that shape our nation, holding power to account, amplifying underrepresented voices, and helping citizens make sense of complex issues,” said Ikokwu.

In a statement announcing her decision to take a leave of absence from journalism to venture into active politics, she , emphasised the need for professionals to directly contribute to governance and national development.

Dr. Ikokwu, a respected anchor and analyst known for her incisive interrogation of public policy and accountability issues, said her decision was informed by years of firsthand exposure to governance gaps and the conviction that competent Nigerians must move beyond commentary to participation.

According to her, years in journalism have deepened her understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and opportunities, reinforcing her belief that ethical and informed leadership remains critical to national progress.

Ikokwu noted that her professional experience has connected her directly with the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, providing insight into where policies succeed and where they fail.

“My experience as a journalist has not only given me insight into governance but has also connected me directly to the everyday realities of our people , their frustrations, resilience and aspirationsShe argued that politics should not be the exclusive preserve of careerpoliticians, but must also accommodate individuals with fresh ideas, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service.

The broadcaster further expressed hope that her decision would inspire other Nigerians with the requisite competence and passion to actively participate in shaping the country’s future.

..…Urges Nigerians to Defend Multi-Party Democracy.

Prince Adelaja Adeoye, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Lagos State and a leading real estate developer, has strongly cautioned Nigerians against any slide toward a one-party state, which he claimed is being subtly engineered by elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeoye made the remarks on Monday while reacting to the recent defection of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He described the move as one that could significantly reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“A vibrant multi-party system is essential to upholding the democratic principles envisioned by our nation’s founding fathers,” Adeoye said. “It guarantees genuine choice, accountability, and responsive governance for all citizens.

”He noted that Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 was meant to entrench a democratic order where leaders are elected freely through the ballot box, rather than imposed by coercion or manipulation.

However, he expressed concern over recent political developments suggesting a gradual consolidation of power, particularly at the state level.

The PDP aspirant pointed to the recent wave of defections by opposition governors and lawmakers to the APC, noting that the ruling party now controls 31 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, a situation he warned could lead to one-party dominance.

“A multi-party system empowers Nigerians to choose their leaders without fear or favour. It deepens the democratic ideals upon which our republic was founded,” Adeoye emphasised.

“For this to work effectively, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary must remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their duties during the 2027 elections.

”Adeoye, widely regarded as the PDP front-runner in Lagos, confirmed that his governorship bid continues to attract strong endorsements from various interest groups across the state, including the recent backing of the Lagos for Prosperity Group (LPG).

He added that he has also won significant support from PDP members nationwide due to his growing popularity.

He stressed the need for a broad coalition of opposition parties to defeat the APC and deliver the change desired by Lagosians and Nigerians at large.

The aspirant warned that any attempt by the ruling government to use state institutions to suppress opposition voices would be unconstitutional and would provoke strong resistance from the international community, civil society organisations, and citizens who are yearning for a better Nigeria.

Adeoye described the APC-led federal government under President Bola Tinubu as disappointing, saying its economic policies have negatively impacted the lives of ordinary citizens. He accused the ruling party of introducing “anti-democratic tendencies” aimed at hijacking opposition parties to achieve a one-party system “through the back door.”

“Another dimension to state capture has been introduced by the ruling APC… Nigerians are taking note of these undemocratic actions,” he said.

On his vision for Lagos, Adeoye pledged to deliver transformative and inclusive governance, drawing on his extensive experience as a media strategist, thought leader, and real estate developer.

He said his administration would move beyond selective flagship projects to ensure inclusive prosperity for every Lagosian, regardless of class or location.

His three-point agenda, he revealed, rests on education, healthcare, and security as foundational pillars. He also pledged to revolutionise affordable housing through robust public-private partnerships (PPP) to tackle the acute housing deficit affecting millions of residents.

Economically, Adeoye advocated for aggressive diversification away from oil dependency by promoting entrepreneurship, technology hubs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), tourism, the ocean economy, agriculture, and industrial clusters.

These initiatives, he said, would generate millions of sustainable jobs, especially for youth, women, and underserved communities.

He further promised urgent attention to transportation infrastructure, including expanded rail networks and modernised Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems to ease chronic traffic congestion in Lagos.

Adeoye said his governance philosophy would be anchored on environmental sustainability, transparent accountability, and grassroots mobilisation, while creating an enabling environment for businesses and attracting investment.

The PDP chieftain’s comments come as political realignments intensify across the country in the buildup to the 2027 polls.