…Says action ‘direct assault on democracy’
…Insists ADC leadership remains lawful, vows to proceed with party programmes
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, on Thursday called for the immediate resignation or sack of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, following the electoral body’s decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.
Addressing a world press conference at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Mark described INEC’s April 1 action as an “attack on democracy” and accused the commission of partisanship and contempt of court.
The former Senate President alleged that the move to derecognise the ADC leadership he heads was part of a broader agenda to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and could pave the way for a one-party state.
“Democracy is only sustained by the quality of freedom it guarantees — the freedom to choose, participate, and associate. These freedoms are now under assault,” Mark said.
He accused the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating efforts to suppress opposition voices, claiming that worsening poverty and insecurity have eroded public confidence in government, thereby fueling attempts to retain power “by all means.”
Dispute Over ADC Leadership
Mark maintained that his emergence as ADC National Chairman followed due process, citing a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which, according to him, was monitored by INEC officials.
He said the meeting dissolved the former National Working Committee and installed a caretaker leadership, including himself and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
He explained that INEC had earlier acknowledged and uploaded the names of the new leadership in September 2025, making its latest decision contradictory and legally questionable.
The ADC chairman also dismissed claims by former party official Nafiu Bala, who is contesting the leadership, insisting that Bala had resigned months before instituting legal action.
Legal Concerns, Allegations of Bias
Mark faulted INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal directive to maintain “status quo ante bellum,” arguing that the commission lacked the authority to determine party leadership.
According to him, INEC’s action effectively created a leadership vacuum in the ADC — a situation he described as “unknown to Nigerian law.”
“There is only one conclusion Nigerians can draw: the electoral umpire has taken sides and can no longer be trusted,” he said.
He further accused INEC of acting in contempt of court and failing to seek judicial clarification where necessary.
Implications for Upcoming Elections
The ADC leader warned that the derecognition could undermine the party’s participation in upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled congresses and national convention later in April.
Despite the development, Mark affirmed that the party would proceed with its planned activities, noting that INEC’s presence was not a legal requirement once proper notice had been given.
Call to Nigerians, International Community
Mark called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to undermine democratic institutions and urged the international community to take note of what he described as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is not just about the ADC; it is about the survival of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Reiterating his demand, Mark insisted that the current INEC leadership had lost public confidence and was incapable of conducting credible elections.
“We demand the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman and all National Commissioners,” he declared.
He concluded with a call for civic vigilance, urging citizens to defend democratic values and ensure the preservation of Nigeria’s multi-party system.
