The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied reaffirming Senator David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing a social media poster making the claim as fake amid an unresolved court dispute over control of the opposition party.
The commission issued the clarification on Friday after the publication circulated online with its logo and an image of National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna. INEC said neither the poster nor its accompanying message originated from the electoral body.
“The said poster did not originate from the Commission,” it stated.
It added: “For the avoidance of doubt, INEC has issued no such reaffirmation.”
The commission condemned the unauthorised use of its identity and warned the public against relying on the misleading publication. It advised Nigerians to obtain information about its decisions and activities through its verified communication channels.
The clarification is significant because the ADC is embroiled in a leadership dispute with implications for its preparations for the 2027 general elections. A Federal High Court judgment nullified the David Mark-led party leadership, raising questions about the authority under which decisions taken by that executive were made.
The ruling has also cast uncertainty over the party’s presidential primary process and the status of political activities conducted under the disputed leadership.
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INEC’s latest statement addresses one specific issue: the commission has not issued any fresh declaration recognising or reaffirming Mark’s leadership. It does not, by itself, settle the legal dispute or determine which faction is entitled to control the party.
Those questions depend on the relevant court proceedings and any subsequent decisions.
The distinction matters because the electoral commission’s position carries considerable weight in party administration and election preparation. A false announcement bearing its official identity could mislead party members, aspirants and supporters into believing that a contentious leadership question has been resolved.
It could also create confusion over who is authorised to communicate with the commission, submit party documents or conduct activities connected with the electoral process.
The use of a national commissioner’s photograph alongside INEC’s logo makes the publication particularly concerning. Such material can acquire an appearance of official authority even when it has no institutional backing.
The commission’s denial therefore serves not only as a correction but also as a warning against the misuse of public institutions’ identities in political disputes.
For the ADC, the immediate challenge is to navigate the leadership controversy without allowing uncertainty to derail its preparations for the next elections. Aspirants and party members also face the risk of making decisions based on claims that have not been formally confirmed.
INEC did not identify those responsible for producing or circulating the poster, nor did its statement announce any arrests or sanctions.
Until the legal questions are resolved and the commission communicates an authorised position, the purported reaffirmation of Mark’s leadership should not be treated as an official INEC decision.
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