The All Progressives Congress backed the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday. APC officials said the commission acted correctly in its handling of the African Democratic Congress leadership dispute.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka made the position clear in a statement. He declared that the crisis in the ADC was self-inflicted. Morka added that the party did not orchestrate anything.
The Independent National Electoral Commission announced on Wednesday that it would no longer accept correspondence from either faction of the ADC. INEC also stated it would remove the names of the National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark from its portal.
INEC Chairman of Information and Voter Education Mohammed Kudu signed the statement. He explained that the commission reviewed the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12. He noted that the action maintained the status quo until the Federal High Court decided the matter.
Felix Morka stated that the David Mark-led executive hijacked the ADC. He said the leadership change occurred without due process. Morka added that the Mark group orchestrated the takeover themselves.
Moreover, Morka insisted that the APC played no role in the development. He explained that the derecognition resulted directly from the actions of the ADC factions and the court order.
The leadership tussle in the ADC intensified after former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola assumed control of the party last year. A rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe challenged the move in court.
INEC had earlier uploaded the names of the Mark-led National Working Committee on September 9, 2025. The commission later acted following appeals from both sides and the Court of Appeal directive.
The ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party criticised the INEC decision. They alleged external interference aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of future elections.
Felix Morka dismissed such claims. He said the ADC must resolve its internal problems without blaming others.
The development came shortly after reports of high-profile defections to the ADC, including interest from former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. The crisis left the party in uncertainty as both factions awaited the final court ruling.
