Politics
BREAKING: INEC Withdraws Recognition of David Mark’s ADC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn its recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal.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.
Politics
APC pegs presidential ticket at N100 million, governorship N60 million
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10million.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says that it’s Presidential ticket will be decided on May 15 and 16, candidates for the Houses of Assembly in 36 states would be elected on May 21; while the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) shadow polls will take place on May 28 and 30.
In the comprehensive timetable released to INEC, presidential aspirants will pick the Expression of Interest Form for N30 million and the Nomination Forms for N70 million.
Also, governorship contenders will obtain the Expression of Interest Form for N20 million and the Nomination Form for N40 million.
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10 million Naira.
Those eyeing the House of Assembly tickets will obtain the forms for N6 million.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the party disclosed that the schedule was signed by its National Organising Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR.
The timetable provides detailed timelines for key pre-election activities, including the screening of aspirants, appeals processes, primary elections, and directives on the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.
The APC reassured its members, stakeholders, and the Nigerian public of its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive primary elections.
“The party remains dedicated to strengthening internal democracy and consolidating its progressive ideals through a fair and orderly process,” the statement added.
The release of the timetable marks a significant early step by the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 polls begin in earnest.
Politics
Gbenga Daniel shut out from Ogun East APC Meeting
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
• Gbenga Daniel address supporters from his vehicle outside APC East meeting in Ijebu- Ode, Monday April 20.
The former governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was on Monday blocked from gaining access to the venue of the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The meeting, held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, included past chairmen, past and present National Assembly members, councillors, among others.
However, videos circulating on social media showed that Senator Daniel’s convoy was prevented from entering the venue.
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
”In one of the clips, Daniel’s security personnel were seen engaging individuals at the gate in an attempt to gain access, but were unsuccessful.
The situation turned tense as supporters of the senator gathered, chanting: “OGD, OGD, OGD.”
Daniel later addressed his supporters from his vehicle:”We are here for our caucus meeting, and I got here by 10 a.m. They said that we shouldn’t enter the venue in Ijebu-Ode.”
His media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed the incident and described the meeting as a gathering of loyalists of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to Oliyide, the meeting notice was issued at midnight and invited all National Assembly members, including Daniel.”
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