The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will no longer recognize or engage with either faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark or Rafiu Bala, following a review of the March 12 Court of Appeal ruling.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu, INEC’s Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, the commission said it will refrain from monitoring meetings, congresses, or conventions of either group until the federal high court resolves the ongoing case.

The decision follows conflicting letters received from legal representatives of both factions. While one law firm urged INEC not to recognize Gombe as acting national chairman due to pending litigation, another submitted a certified copy of the Court of Appeal judgment demanding enforcement of its ruling and removal of Mark and his secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, from official recognition.

The commission noted that one faction had also accused INEC of violating the appeal court’s orders by inviting Mark’s group to meetings in March 2026. INEC’s statement emphasizes that it will comply with the judiciary and maintain neutrality until the case is fully resolved.