The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will not take a position on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis until it studies the certified true copy of a Federal High Court judgment.
CDA News Nigeria reports that INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna told Sunday Punch the commission’s next step is to obtain the judgment. He said the matter will be considered at its meeting next week.
“We can’t take a position until we see the judgment ourselves,” Haruna said, adding that court reports could be wrong.
He said INEC would comply with any stay of execution if the David Mark-led faction appeals.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Thursday. It nullified the Mark-led caretaker committee, declaring its emergence contrary to the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The ruling also invalidated decisions taken under that leadership, including the presidential primary that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s 2027 candidate. It voided Rauf Aregbesola’s emergence as National Secretary, other national appointments and the party’s candidate nominations.
The court also directed INEC not to act on decisions of the ADC’s July 27, 2025 National Executive Committee meeting.
The suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East) Nafiu Bala Gombe. He argued that he was entitled to take over after the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Editorial note: Attributed reporting based on INEC’s comments and the court judgment as reported. The judgment is subject to appeal. Report errors or request corrections at info@cdanews.ng.
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