BREAKING: INEC Recognises Only Mark-Led ADC Candidates for 2027 Elections

BREAKING: INEC Recognises Only Mark-Led ADC Candidates for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that only candidates submitted by the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will be recognised for the 2027 general elections.

According to a report by The PUNCH published on July 15, 2026, INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the commission granted the David Mark-led faction access to its candidate nomination portal following a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed its authority within the party.

Haruna revealed that the recognised ADC leadership has already submitted candidates for a total of 471 elective positions nationwide. These include the presidential election, all 109 Senate seats, and the 360 constituencies for the House of Representatives.

He explained that INEC had no legal grounds to accept candidate submissions from the rival faction, noting that the group had already lost its appeal seeking recognition.

Meanwhile, the ADC has called for a thorough investigation into claims made by its factional leader, Nafiu Gombe, who alleged that he gained access to INEC’s nomination portal and uploaded candidates on behalf of the party.

The party described Gombe’s claims as misleading and urged relevant authorities to look into the matter to prevent confusion among party members and the general public.

Despite the controversy, INEC stated that it would carefully review the recent Court of Appeal judgment before making any additional decisions regarding the ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC.

The development marks another significant chapter in the internal crisis rocking the opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections, as questions over leadership and candidate legitimacy continue to generate national attention.