…demands Amupitan’s Resignation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, following the electoral body’s decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.
Addressing a world press conference titled “This Attack on Democracy Will Not Stand,” the National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark, said the party and other opposition groups were determined to resist what he described as a growing attempt to weaken democratic freedoms and impose a one-party state.
Mark argued that although Nigeria has operated under democratic rule since 1999, recent developments suggest a reversal of democratic gains, alleging that the current administration is working to limit political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, democracy thrives on freedom of choice, association, and participation, warning that any attempt to weaken opposition parties threatens the nation’s democratic foundations.
“The agenda is very clear, to create a situation where, in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people,” Mark said, adding that worsening insecurity and economic hardship have eroded public confidence in the present administration.
Mark explained that the ADC became a rallying platform for opposition forces seeking to preserve multi-party democracy in Nigeria. He said the coalition followed due process in constituting a new leadership for the party at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which was monitored by INEC officials.
At the meeting, the party dissolved its National Working Committee and approved a caretaker leadership with Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary.
He noted that the resolutions were duly communicated to INEC, which subsequently uploaded the names of the new party leadership on September 9, 2025.
The ADC chairman alleged that Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party who had resigned his position in May 2025, later instituted legal action seeking recognition as chairman, despite his resignation already being communicated to INEC.
Mark said the Court of Appeal, in a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, pending determination of the substantive matter.
He, however, accused INEC of misinterpreting the court order by issuing a statement on April 1, 2026, withdrawing recognition from both the Mark-led leadership and Bala’s faction, thereby creating what he described as an artificial leadership vacuum in the party.
The ADC chairman maintained that INEC lacked the legal authority to determine party leadership, arguing that the commission’s role is supervisory rather than administrative.
He accused the electoral body of acting in contempt of the Court of Appeal and called for the resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and other national commissioners, citing loss of confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections.
According to Mark, the commission’s action could affect the party’s preparations for upcoming elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled congresses beginning April 9 and national convention slated for April 14, 2026.
“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman and all the National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them,” he said.
Mark called on Nigerians and the international community to take note of the development, warning that weakening opposition parties could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing that the party would proceed with its scheduled programmes in accordance with the law.
“This is a defining moment. Nigerians must stand firm and resist any attempt to impose a one-party state,” he said.
The ADC chairman expressed optimism that democratic principles would ultimately prevail, stressing that the party remains committed to protecting political pluralism in Nigeria.
