The David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is exploring alternative political platforms for its members ahead of next year’s elections, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) withdrawal of recognition for the party’s competing leadership factions.
Sources say the group, mindful of the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute, is unwilling to risk jeopardizing its electoral prospects. With the revised timetable for the 2027 elections imposing tight deadlines, it is unlikely that ongoing legal cases within the party will be resolved before the May 31, 2026 primaries deadline.
Following INEC’s announcement, the faction held multiple consultations with lawyers to evaluate options. While continuing the appeal filed in court remains a possibility, uncertainties about the case’s outcome make this an unreliable path. The faction is also contending with at least two other pending cases linked to ADC’s leadership tussle.
Given the urgency, some party members have proposed joining one or two existing political parties free from the legal and internal conflicts faced in ADC. The option is seen as practical, with the potential to reassure members anxious about internal disputes that could threaten their participation in the 2027 elections.
The ongoing uncertainty has caused confusion among aspirants, particularly with party primaries scheduled to start on April 23, 2026, and conclude by May 30, 2026. While some party officials argue that INEC is overstepping by interpreting court rulings on its own, others maintain that the party will continue with planned congresses and internal processes despite the regulatory challenges.
ADC officials in various states expressed frustration at the current state of affairs but stressed that the party remains committed to engaging members and safeguarding their electoral ambitions.
