ADC Raises Alarm Over Democracy Threat, Demands INEC Chairman’s Removal Amid Leadership Dispute

By Ladan Nasidi

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, alleging bias and unlawful interference in the party’s leadership structure.

Addressing a world press conference titled “This Attack on Democracy Will Not Stand,” Mark warned that democratic freedoms in Nigeria are under serious threat, particularly the rights to political participation, association, and choice.

He argued that these freedoms have been eroded in recent years, raising concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

Mark alleged that the current administration under Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, worsening insecurity and economic hardship have heightened public dissatisfaction, which he claimed has led to attempts to suppress political competition.

Providing background on the ADC’s internal structure, Mark explained that a coalition of opposition groups adopted the party as a platform to preserve multiparty democracy. He noted that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, and monitored by INEC, dissolved the previous National Working Committee and installed a caretaker leadership, with himself as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.

He further stated that the resolutions were formally communicated to INEC, which subsequently acknowledged and published the new leadership. Mark dismissed claims by former party official Nafiu Bala, describing them as baseless, noting that Bala had resigned prior to the leadership changes.

The ADC chairman expressed outrage over INEC’s April 1, 2026 decision to withdraw recognition from both his leadership and the faction linked to Bala.

He described the move as a misinterpretation of a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum, insisting that INEC’s action effectively leaves the party without recognized leadership.

Mark accused the electoral body, led by Joash Amupitan, of acting in contempt of court and aligning with partisan interests. He maintained that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to determine party leadership, emphasizing that its role is strictly supervisory.

He warned that the development could affect the ADC’s participation in upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled congresses and national convention in April 2026.

Calling for accountability, Mark demanded the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman and national commissioners, declaring that the commission can no longer be trusted to conduct credible elections.

He also urged the international community to take note of the situation and called on Nigerians to defend democratic values, warning that the country risks sliding into a one-party state if such actions persist.