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 unlawful, calling on the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Josh Amupitan and some of the commissioners to immediately resign.
The opposition 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 press conference on Thursday at the Shehu Yard’adua Centre, Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, described the situation as “a direct attack on democracy,” insisting that it would not stand.
He stated 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 said.
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.”
The former Senate President 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.
He recounted 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 former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as the National Secretary.
He pointed out that INEC had monitored the processes and subsequently recognized the new leadership by uploading their names on its official portal in September 2025.
However, the ADC chairman accused INEC of illegally reversing the course following a Court of Appeal ruling on March 12, 2026, which directed parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” in an on-going leadership dispute.
Mark dismissed claims by a former party official, Nafiu Bala, to the ADC leadership, stating that Bala had resigned from ADC several 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 stressed.
He further argued that if INEC had doubts about the court ruling, it should have sought judicial clarification rather than taking a unilateral action that is asking to a coup plot against the party.
The ADC called for the immediate resignation or removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and some 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.
He described the situation as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy and called on citizens, civil society, and the international community to take notice.
“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.
