Nigeria Appeal Court Bars INEC Recognising ADC Congresses

A Nigerian appellate court has upheld a ruling that invalidates key party congresses organized by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), deepening a leadership crisis with potential ramifications for the 2027 general elections. In a split decision on Monday, July 13, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing state congresses and a national convention conducted by committees appointed by a caretaker leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.

The majority judgment, delivered by Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo, found no reason to interfere with the lower court's ruling from April 29, 2026. The court affirmed the order barring INEC from accepting the outcomes of those congresses and restraining the Mark-led caretaker committee from interfering with the tenure and functions of the ADC's elected State Working Committees and State Executive Committees. The court imposed a fine of 10 million naira on the ADC.

The legal battle originated from a suit filed by seven ADC members-Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Olona...