Nigeria ADC Leadership Dispute Escalates

The Nigeria — African Democratic Congress (ADC) is embroiled in a leadership crisis following the Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision to remove the names of David Mark (National Chairman) and Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary) from its official portal. This action, taken on April 1, 2026, was in response to a Court of Appeal's judgment in a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum. David Mark has since filed a motion with the Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria, seeking mandatory injunctions to reverse INEC's decision and restore the party's leadership. The ADC's youth wing has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to INEC, threatening nationwide protests if their demands are not met, and has called for the resignation or removal of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan. A U.S.-based policy firm, Von Batten-Montague York, has also expressed concerns and plans to engage the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration to draw international attention to the issue, highlighting potential disruptions to Nigeria's democratic process and upcoming presidential election.