The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate removal of Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the commission’s decision to de-recognise the party’s leadership.
At a press briefing on Thursday, April 2, the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, said INEC could no longer be trusted, describing its actions as unlawful. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of using INEC to weaken opposition parties.
INEC had earlier announced the delisting of key ADC figures, including Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. In a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the commission said the move was in compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case before a trial court.
Reacting, Mark said the development reflects a sustained attack on freedom of association, a fundamental democratic principle. He alleged that the broader aim is to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections and create a scenario where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only viable candidate despite ongoing economic hardship and insecurity.
Mark explained that the current ADC leadership emerged after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which was monitored by INEC. At the meeting, the party dissolved its National Working Committee and installed a caretaker leadership, with himself as chairman and Aregbesola as secretary. He noted that the resolutions were formally communicated to INEC, which later uploaded the new leadership details.
He added that one of the former officials, Nafiu Bala, had earlier resigned but later approached the court seeking recognition as chairman. According to Mark, INEC was fully aware of both the leadership changes and the resignation before the legal action was filed.
Mark argued that INEC misinterpreted the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum, insisting that the commission lacks the authority to determine party leadership. He accused the electoral body of partisanship and of inventing a “status quo” that effectively leaves the ADC without leadership.
He further alleged that INEC’s actions amount to contempt of court and a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the move could undermine the party’s participation in upcoming elections in Osun and Ekiti, as well as its scheduled congresses and national convention in April 2026.
Addressing Nigerians and President Tinubu directly, Mark questioned why the administration would resist a free and fair electoral contest if it is confident in its performance.
The ADC chairman concluded by calling for the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman and all national commissioners, stating that the party no longer has confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections.
