*Doubts Commission’s fairness
By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The leadership of African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed shock over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decision to withdraw recognition from both the party’s leadership and a rival faction, describing it as an unlawful and demanded the resignation of the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Josh Amupitan and some biased commissioners.
The ADC therefore called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan.
The coalition party accused the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, warning that recent actions by the electoral body pose a serious threat to multi-party politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a world press conference on Thursday at the Shehu Yard’adua Centre, Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, described the situation as “a direct attack on democracy,” insisting that it would not stand.
Mark said that although Nigeria has practiced democratic governance since 1999, recent developments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have raised concerns about shrinking political freedoms.
“Democracy is only sustained by the quality of freedom that it offers—freedom to choose, participate, and associate. Without these freedoms, democracy dies,” he stated.
He alleged that the current administration was pursuing an agenda to weaken opposition parties and create a one-party system ahead of the next elections. According to him, worsening insecurity and economic hardship were direct consequences of governance failures, adding that “they know Nigerians will vote them out, which is why they will do anything to cling to power.”
Mark explained that the emergence of a coalition of opposition figures under the ADC was a deliberate move to protect democratic values and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.
“We did not come to the ADC by chance. We fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements,” he said, recounting how the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025, dissolved the previous leadership and inaugurated a caretaker committee led by himself and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola.
He noted that INEC monitored the process and subsequently recognized the new leadership by uploading their names on its official portal in September 2025.
However, the ADC chairman accused INEC of reversing course following a Court of Appeal ruling on March 12, 2026, which directed parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” in an ongoing leadership dispute.
Mark dismissed claims by a former party official, Nafiu Bala, to the ADC leadership, stating that the individual had resigned months before initiating legal action.
“He resigned his position and still went to court seeking to be recognized as chairman. This is clearly untenable,” he said.
He further alleged that certain actors were attempting to exploit the court ruling to pressure INEC into altering the party’s leadership structure, describing such efforts as politically motivated.
“What we are witnessing is a convergence of legal pressure and political intent by a ruling party that is unsettled by the growing appeal of the ADC,” Mark added.
According to the ADC boss, “INEC has invented a status quo that never existed. There was never a time the ADC did not have a duly constituted leadership”.
He accused the electoral body of acting in contempt of court and abandoning its neutrality. “The electoral umpire has taken sides. It can no longer be trusted,” he declared.
Mark argued that if INEC had any doubts about the court ruling, it should have sought judicial clarification rather than taking unilateral action.
The ADC called for the immediate resignation or removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and other national commissioners, citing a loss of confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections.
“We are convinced they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” Mark said.
Despite the controversy, he affirmed that the party would proceed with its scheduled activities, including congresses beginning April 9 and a national convention on April 14, noting that INEC’s presence is not a legal requirement.
Mark further warned that the implications of INEC’s actions could extend beyond the ADC, potentially affecting the party’s participation in upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states.
While calling for the sack of the INEC chairman, Mark described the situation as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy and called on citizens, civil society, and the international community to take notice.
“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all the National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election.
“Let us also make it clear: we are proceeding with our party programmes, because there is nothing under the law that makes INEC’s attendance, a mandatory requirement. We have duly served INEC notice, and we will proceed accordingly.
“We also call on the international community to take note of INEC’s actions of April 1st, and of the restraint we are exercising today. We urge them to recognise the clear threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability, and to hold accountable those who are undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“This is not just about the ADC. It is about the right of Nigerians to choose their leaders freely,” he said.
He also challenged President Tinubu directly, questioning why a government with widespread political control would fear a free and fair electoral contest.
“If you are convinced you have done well, why are you afraid of credible elections?” he asked.
Mark concluded with a call for vigilance, urging Nigerians to resist any attempt to impose a one-party state.
“Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered. Democracy must prevail,” he said. END
