The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has rejected claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission removed candidates loyal to the David Mark-led faction from its election portal. The party affirmed that all its contenders are still running in the buildup to the 2027 general elections.
According to a report by The Whistler Newspaper, the party confirmed that its candidates across Abia are proceeding with normal campaign activities and voter engagement. The chapter described the rumours as an attempt to cause confusion and disrupt party ranks.
In an official statement released on Saturday, November 14, the Chairman of the ADC Abia State Caretaker Working Committee, Barrister Kalu Kalu, described the delisting reports as untrue and lacking factual backing. The party maintained that the electoral body had previously denied striking out the David Mark leadership, which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, from its official registers.
The party also referred to remarks made by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan during an interview in London. The commission's head reportedly stated that the electoral body would adhere strictly to Supreme Court pronouncements while resolving the internal leadership disagreements within the party.
The Abia ADC pointed to a July ruling by Justice Lima, which affirmed the David Mark-led executive as the authentic leadership of the party. The party noted that this decision remains in effect and cannot be set aside by a court of equal standing, arguing that any opposing party must appeal to a higher court.
The caretaker committee also stated that a separate ruling delivered on November 5 by Justice Peter Odo Lifu must not be viewed as setting aside Justice Lima's judgment or compelling INEC to strike party candidates off the portal.
Urging party faithful across the state to stay focused, Kalu said party structures across Abia remain intact ahead of the polls. The statement added that party flagbearers will persist with their voter mobilisation programmes based on accountability and good governance, free from external distractions.
