The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday announced that it would remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its records as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
INEC also said that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to assume leadership of the party through the courts, while suspending recognition of all conventions and congresses organised by the Mark-Aregbesola faction pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
The commission said its decision followed the ongoing leadership tussle within the party and the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, noting that it would remain neutral and guided strictly by legal processes.
A statement, by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, reiterated the commission’s commitment to impartiality, urging political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC disclosed that it received multiple legal communications from opposing factions, including a notice from Suleiman Usman (SAN) & Co cautioning against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman, as well as a “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers seeking the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal.
It however, declined the request by Gombe’s legal team to immediately recognise him as party leader, stating that the matter remains before the court and must be resolved through due process.
