The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, accusing the Commission of partisanship and actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, ADC National Chairman David Mark said the party had lost confidence in the electoral body, insisting that INEC’s recent decisions were unlawful and contrary to democratic principles.
He alleged that the Commission interfered in an internal leadership dispute within the party and acted in disregard of a ruling by the Court of Appeal by withdrawing recognition of the ADC leadership.
Mark further accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of pursuing a broader political agenda aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the alleged strategy is to ensure the dominance of the ruling party despite growing concerns over insecurity and economic hardship.
Tracing the roots of the crisis, the ADC leader explained that the party’s current leadership emerged from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, and was duly communicated to INEC.
He maintained that the Commission had prior knowledge of the process and had even uploaded the names of the executives before the dispute escalated.
He dismissed claims to the leadership by a former party official, Nafiu Bala, noting that Bala had resigned months before initiating legal action.
Mark argued that INEC’s decision to treat both factions as equal created what he described as a “false equivalence” and an artificial leadership vacuum within the party.
“The only conclusion Nigerians can draw is that the electoral umpire has taken sides and can no longer be trusted,” Mark said, warning that such actions could affect the credibility of upcoming elections, including governorship polls in Osun and Ekiti states.
The party also expressed concern that INEC’s stance could disrupt its planned congresses and national convention scheduled for April, despite fulfilling all legal requirements, including notifying the Commission.
Calling on Nigerians and the international community to take note, Mark described the situation as critical to the future of the country’s democracy.
He urged citizens to resist any attempt to impose a one-party system, stressing that the ADC would proceed with its political activities regardless of INEC’s position.
“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman and all National Commissioners.
”We are convinced they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” he declared.
The ADC maintained that the issue extended beyond party politics, warning that failure to address the situation could signal a dangerous drift toward authoritarian rule.
