Appeal Court Blocks INEC from Recognizing Mark-Led ADC Congresses
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a ruling barring the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognizing congresses organized by a faction of the ADC led by Mark.
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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or participating in congresses convened by a faction of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ADC) led by Mark. The ruling, delivered on July 13, 2026, underscores judicial scrutiny over internal party processes when constitutional issues are alleged.
The appellate court emphasized that party affairs do not shield violations of constitutional principles, stating, 'Once a complaint before the court is anchored on a constitutional infraction, the shield of internal affairs drops and the veil is lifted for judicial intervention.' This principle formed the basis for allowing judicial oversight into the ADC's internal leadership dispute, which has divided the party ahead of upcoming electoral activities.
The decision, reported by Vanguard News and Naija News, affirms a prior interim order preventing INEC from according official recognition to any congresses organized by Mark’s faction. The court’s intervention highlights the commission’s obligation to refrain from legitimizing party proceedings that are subject to ongoing legal challenges. The ruling is expected to impact the ADC’s ability to conduct state-level congresses without unified leadership consensus.
While the judgment does not resolve the broader leadership conflict within the ADC, it reinforces the judiciary’s role in regulating the interface between political party autonomy and constitutional accountability. The ADC, a minor party with historical ties to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now faces renewed uncertainty over its organizational legitimacy as legal proceedings continue.