By Ayomide Otitoju
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing the Commission of partisanship and undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, said the party had lost confidence in the electoral body, alleging that its recent actions were unlawful and in violation of democratic principles.
Mark accused INEC of taking sides in an internal party dispute and acting in defiance of a Court of Appeal ruling by withdrawing recognition of the party’s leadership. He further alleged that the administration of Bola Tinubu was pursuing a broader agenda to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the current ADC leadership emerged from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in July 2025 and was duly communicated to INEC, which initially acknowledged the process. He dismissed claims by a former party official, Nafiu Bala, to the leadership, noting that Bala had resigned prior to initiating legal action.
Mark argued that INEC’s decision to accord recognition to rival factions created a “false equivalence” and an artificial leadership vacuum within the party, warning that such actions could undermine the credibility of upcoming elections, including governorship polls in Osun and Ekiti states.
He also cautioned that the Commission’s stance could disrupt the party’s scheduled congresses and national convention, despite fulfilling all statutory requirements.
Describing the development as a critical moment for Nigeria’s democracy, Mark called on citizens and the international community to take note and resist any attempt to entrench a one-party system.
“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 said.
The ADC maintained that the dispute extends beyond party politics, warning that failure to address the situation could signal a broader threat to democratic governance in the country.
