The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by David Mark has rejected its delisting by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of bowing to political pressure.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, faulted INEC’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling related to the party’s leadership dispute.

Abdullahi alleged that INEC’s decision was influenced by a government unsettled by the ADC’s growing political influence, claiming it reflects a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties and entrench a one-party system.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” he said, adding that the commission’s position was “full of contradictions” and inconsistent with facts and logic.

The party stated it is currently reviewing its options and will announce its next steps soon, while urging members and supporters to remain calm and resolute.

INEC had earlier announced that it would no longer recognise or engage with either the David Mark-led faction or the group led by Rafiu Bala, pending the resolution of the dispute at the Federal High Court.

The commission also disclosed that it would stop accepting correspondences from both factions and would not monitor any of their activities, including meetings and congresses. Additionally, it confirmed that David Mark’s name would be removed from its official portal.

The crisis stems from a legal challenge filed by Rafiu Bala, who contested the emergence of the David Mark-led caretaker committee.

The development marks a deepening internal crisis within the ADC, with potential implications for opposition politics in Nigeria.