Politics
Parties Revolt As INEC Derecognises Mark, Aregbesola
INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday.
It hinged its decision on a court order which directed the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of David Mark’s leadership of the opposition party.
Reacting, the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi and his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Ini Ememobong, insisted that the development was a calculated attempt to undermine democratic structures, alleging the involvement of the APC government and urging supporters to mobilise in defence of democratic principles.
Also, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Obi’s support group, Yunusa Tanko, warned that INEC’s decision is a recipe for crisis, adding that there might be a catastrophic consequence if the commission chooses to be partisan.
On Wednesday, the electoral commission removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal, delisting them as the national chairman and national secretary of the ADC, respectively.
The commission also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who approached the court seeking to be declared the national chairman.
Haruna explained that the commission had been inundated with conflicting legal demands from opposing camps, each laying claims to the party’s leadership and seeking official recognition.
INEC disclosed that it received a letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., cautioning it against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending court case, specifically referring to ongoing litigation, and a counter-letter from Summit Law Chambers demanding enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment, which they argue affirms Gombe’s position.
The electoral body explained that, “the letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co urged the commission not to recognise Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress on account of the pending Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, while the letter from Summit Law Chambers, on the other hand, attached the certified True Copy of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors and requested the commission to enforce the judgement of the Court of Appeal, including: Ceasing recognition of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively of ADC; Removing their names from the Commission’s portal; and refraining from dealing with or recognising any actions taken by them in respect of the party in line with the preservation orders made by the Court of Appeal.”
INEC said Summit Law Chambers accused it of disregarding court orders by engaging with David Mark’s faction, alleging that the commission invited the group to a meeting and monitored its activities.
The chambers also called for several actions, including invalidating the group’s NEC meeting, removing its name from INEC’s portal, and allowing Gombe to take control of the party pending the court’s final decision.
However, INEC maintained that its actions were strictly based on the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, which dismissed Mark’s interlocutory appeal and issued preservative orders.
Quoting the appellate court, the commission stated, “Finally, it is necessary to make preservatory orders to ensure that the subject matter of the dispute pending before the trial court is not prejudiced, as courts have inherent powers to control and regulate proceedings to ensure justice.
“That suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, be and is hereby granted an accelerated hearing in view of the Electoral Time Table released by the 4th Respondent.”
The court in its decision had also ordered, “That the parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.”
INEC, in its observations, traced the dispute to the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by David Mark following a National Executive Council meeting in July 2025, after the resignation of the previous executive.
The commission explained that Gombe, who was then Vice-National Chairman, rejected the process and insisted that he should automatically assume leadership, which led him to file Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 at the Federal High Court.
INEC noted that “ Nafiu Bala Gombe, who was the Vice-National Chairman, denied he ever resigned from the party and claimed that following the resignation of the chairman of the party, Mr Ralph Okey Nwosu, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, automatically ought to take over as the chairman of the party.”
The commission added that Gombe sought multiple court orders, including “An order restraining INEC from recognising, dealing with or continuing to deal with the 2nd and 3rd Defendants as the national chairman and secretary” and “an order directing INEC to recognise the Plaintiff as the acting national chairman.”
After reviewing all legal processes and the appellate court’s judgment, INEC said it reached a decisive resolution at its meeting on March 31, 2026.
The commission declared, “To maintain the status quo ante bellum as directed by the Court of Appeal based on the facts and position of the parties existing before 2nd September 2026, when the case was filed by the plaintiff.
“That the commission would refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.”
Rejecting Gombe’s request to assume interim control, INEC stated, “The commission refused to accede to the request of the Plaintiff’s Solicitors to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of ADC pending the determination of the case.”
INEC also announced a complete suspension of engagement with all factions of the ADC.
“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the African Democratic Congress by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja.”
Additionally, the electoral body ordered the removal of the current leadership names from its official portal, stating, “Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025, the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum.”
Reacting on behalf of the ADC, Abdullahi dismissed INEC’s reliance on the Court of Appeal’s stance, noting that its directive merely calls for maintaining the status quo as an interim measure.
He argued that the appropriate position is to revert to the status quo as it existed before Gombe’s legal action, particularly, prior to proceedings at the court.
Abdullahi maintained that at the time in question, Mark was in charge, and that remains the position the party recognises.
He warned that any attempt to alter this arrangement now suggests a fresh plot by enemies of democracy, stressing that such moves would be resisted.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come under criticism following its decision to alter the list of candidates that emerged from its National Assembly primaries, sparking fresh concerns over internal democracy and the credibility of its candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opposition parties condemned the move, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accusing the ruling party of descending into confusion, the Labour Party (LP) describing the substitutions as undemocratic, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) branding the action reckless.
The APC, however, defended the changes, insisting they reflected fairness and the wishes of party members. It also urged opposition parties to focus on resolving their own internal crises rather than commenting on its affairs.
The controversy followed the APC’s directive to its state chapters to submit the final list of candidates for the 2027 elections while issuing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms for completion.
Several aspirants who were initially declared winners alleged that they were replaced after the party’s May Primary Election Appeal Commission reviewed petitions arising from the primaries.
Reports indicate that the APC National Working Committee (NWC), acting on the appeal committee’s recommendations, overturned the victories of several senatorial candidates in nine states and restored six serving senators to the party’s final list.
Those reinstated include Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East), Titus Zam (Benue North-West), Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North), Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), and Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North). In Abia South, Prince Paul Ikonne replaced Edinburgh Erondu.
Among those affected was former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, whose earlier victory in the Benue North-East primary was nullified in favour of incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende.
The revised list has since generated internal disagreements and raised legal questions, particularly in light of INEC’s warning that it would reject the names of candidates who did not emerge from primaries monitored by the commission.
Reacting to the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, described the changes as evidence of growing confusion within the APC, saying the opposition would take advantage of the situation ahead of the elections.
“With the change of the candidate list, there is confusion in the APC. Let them remain in confusion so that we can take advantage of it and reclaim power. It is not our duty to advise them on how to put their house in order,” he said.
The Labour Party also criticised the substitutions, insisting that candidates who emerge from valid primaries should not be replaced.
LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said the party had consistently respected the outcome of its primaries, describing the APC’s action as a mockery of the Electoral Act and democratic principles.
“For us in the Labour Party, we have never removed the names of people who won our primaries and replaced them with those who did not. That is how democracy should be practised,” Asogwa said.
However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, argued that political parties have the constitutional right to determine their candidates through internal mechanisms.
He noted that the Supreme Court had affirmed the authority of political parties to nominate candidates and stressed the need for aggrieved members to pursue available internal appeal and reconciliation processes.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) defended the APC’s action. Its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the Electoral Act empowers political parties to manage their candidate selection process, including addressing irregularities through internal mechanisms.
He maintained that if a party identifies flaws in its primary process and opts to make adjustments in line with its constitution, it is within its rights to do so, while denying allegations that the NDC had imposed candidates.
The Oyo State Government has denied reports claiming it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the claim was “far from the truth” and accused “irresponsible bloggers” of deliberately spreading misinformation to confuse the public.
“Although both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have been making concerted efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers, no ransom has been paid to the bandits, either directly or indirectly,” Oyelade stated.
He urged residents to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.
The commissioner added that the Oyo State Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abductees and bring the incident to a successful conclusion.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The coordinated attack also claimed the life of a teacher.
The victims have remained in captivity since the attack, while the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies continue efforts to secure their freedom.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed reports that aggrieved aspirants who lost the party’s primary elections are plotting to work against its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Following the conclusion of the party’s primaries a few weeks ago, reports had alleged that some unsuccessful aspirants were considering supporting candidates of other political parties in protest, with the aim of undermining APGA’s chances at the polls.
However, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, described the claims as false, insisting that the party remains united after a reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Charles Soludo.
“I am hearing this from you. As a party, we have not received any report of such a plot. Let me state clearly that all the aspirants have resolved to work for the success of the party in the 2027 general elections,” Opara said.
He explained that during the meeting held at the Light House in Awka, aspirants and candidates openly discussed issues arising from the primaries, stressing that none of the participants accused the party of conducting an unfair or non-transparent process.
“Everyone expressed their views about the primary elections. No one alleged that the process lacked transparency. The only concern expressed was that each aspirant had hoped to emerge victorious.
“At the end of the meeting, every misunderstanding, anxiety and misgiving surrounding the primaries was resolved, and the party remains one united family,” he added.
Opara also warned opposition parties against what he described as deliberate attempts to spread falsehoods and create disaffection within APGA.
He cautioned individuals engaging in cyberbullying and name-dropping for political purposes to desist, warning that the party would not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone found defaming its members.
“This is nothing but cheap blackmail by the opposition. They should be mindful of the legal consequences of cyberbullying and name-dropping. We urge our party faithful and the general public to disregard these spurious reports,” he said.
This version improves grammar, flow, attribution, and readability while preserving the substance of the original report.
Former Minister Uche Nnaji
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a court order permitting it to detain former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, for an initial 14 days as investigations into alleged certificate forgery continue.
The remand order followed Nnaji’s arrest on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after he arrived from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.
According to an official of the anti-graft agency, the court-approved remand will enable investigators to interrogate the former minister over the allegations, with the possibility of seeking an extension should further investigation require additional time.
Nnaji was apprehended following the execution of a bench warrant earlier issued by the Federal High Court after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended by the commission.
The ICPC subsequently confirmed the arrest in an official statement signed by its spokesperson, John Odey, stating that the former minister is in the commission’s custody as investigations continue into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening process.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Despite the Federal High Court pronouncement against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Anambra state, the National Working Committee( NWC) of the party has issued nomination forms to candidates of the National and state Assemblies of the party .
Recall that the Federal High Court Abuja had ruled that Sen Emma Anosike is not the Chairman of the party; a judgement that is unsettling party in the area which the plaintiffs denied knowledge of the suit insisting that it is a kangaroo pronouncement.
The affected state executive members, Bright Osemeka, Mrs Ify Chinwoko Nzekwe and Amaechi Chinweze had contended that they never filed any action challenging the leadership of Sen Emma Anosike adding that they remain loyal to the Anosike led executive.
According to the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the party Mr Emeka Okafor ;
“The Federal High Court pronounent did not mention the nominated candidates of the party for the National and state Assembly elections and we have issued nomination forms to the candidates”
“Again the matter neither joined the nominated candidates nor had any legal position on the primary elections of the party in Anambra state hence the nominated candidates remain our candidates for Anambra state ” he said.
Recall that Sen Emma Anosike as at the period of the primary elections was the Chairman of the party an exercise that was adjudged peaceful and transparent by the National Working Committee of the party and the Election Committee sent to the state by the Leadership of the party in Abuja .
Similarly, the expelled members of the party did not take part in the election following the suit filed by them against the party in Anambra state.
They were suspended by the party because the party found out that they did not explore the laid down avenues of conflict or dispute resolutions before heading to the Court which the party stated that it is against the constitution of the party which also stipulates outright expulsion.
Meanwhile it is not clear if the said Chairman of the party who the Court endorsed has taken over the party Secretarate in Awka , nor has he convened any meeting of the party; a development that has deepened the unsettled state of affairs of the party .
It is however gathered that sustained legal battle is on in Abuja over the said judgement as the crisis lasts .
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