By Abubakar Yunusa
The factional leadership of the African Democratic Congress, led by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to respect the status quo and recognise his leadership in line with the party’s constitution.
The call follows INEC’s decision of April 1, 2026, and its refusal to grant a request by the plaintiffs’ solicitors seeking to allow Gombe assume control of the party’s affairs pending the determination of the substantive suit before a trial court.
Reacting, Gombe said the appeal draws the Commission’s attention to an existing order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026.
He urged INEC to comply strictly with court directives and the ADC constitution in addressing the lingering leadership crisis within the party.
He said, “In our appeal, we draw INEC’s attention to the Order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which explicitly directed the Commission to refrain from taking any step capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.
“We call on INEC to respect the status quo as it stood on September 2, 2025, adhere strictly to the African Democratic Congress constitution, and comply fully with the court order by allowing me to take over the leadership of the party.”
Gombe added that the faction welcomed INEC’s decision not to recognise the faction led by Senator David Mark, reiterating its commitment to democratic principles and good governance in Nigeria.
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