The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of undermining democracy following its recent decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.
Addressing a world press conference on Thursday, ADC National Chairman David Mark described INEC’s action as “a direct assault on democracy” and warned that it could erode the country’s multi-party system.
Mark alleged that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming there is a deliberate effort to make the president “the only option left for Nigerians.”
According to him, the controversy stems from a leadership dispute within the ADC, which he said had already been resolved through a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, under the supervision of INEC officials. He maintained that the meeting lawfully dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and installed a caretaker leadership led by himself, with Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Mark dismissed claims by former deputy national chairman Nafiu Bala, who is challenging the leadership in court, noting that Bala had resigned from his position months before initiating legal action.
He further criticised INEC’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” arguing that the commission acted outside its powers by withdrawing recognition of both factions within the party.
“The electoral umpire has taken sides and can no longer be trusted,” Mark said, accusing INEC of acting in contempt of court and creating a leadership vacuum that does not exist under Nigerian law.
The ADC chairman warned that INEC’s decision could affect the party’s participation in upcoming elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled congresses and national convention in April.
He called for the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman and national commissioners, insisting that the current leadership of the commission lacks the credibility to conduct free and fair elections.
Mark also appealed to the international community to take note of the situation and urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to impose a one-party system.
“This is not just about the ADC. It is about the survival of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Despite the dispute, the party vowed to proceed with its planned activities, stating that it had fulfilled all legal requirements, including notifying INEC.
The development adds to growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties raising concerns over the independence of Nigeria’s electoral process.
