The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, accusing the electoral body of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and aiding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress opposition parties.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor Musa Kwankwaso, and thousands of party members, ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, said the party would proceed with all its programmes, regardless of INEC’s recognition.
“Let us make it clear: we are proceeding with our party programmes, because there is nothing under the law that makes INEC’s attendance mandatory. We have duly served INEC notice, and we will proceed accordingly,” Mark said, calling on the international community to “take note of INEC’s actions and the restraint we are exercising.”
Mark accused INEC of creating a “false equivalence” between ADC’s legitimate leadership and a faction purportedly led by Nafiu Bala, despite Bala having resigned. “This is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the right of Nigerians to choose and participate freely,” he said.
The former Senate President also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that the government’s agenda is to eliminate opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. “If you are convinced that you have done well for the people who voted for you, why are you afraid of a free, fair, and transparent electoral contest?” Mark asked, warning that the actions of INEC threaten the integrity of the Osun and Ekiti elections later this year.
Mark insisted that the leadership inaugurated at the ADC’s July 29, 2025 NEC meeting remains lawful and urged members and Nigerians to stay calm. He vowed that the party’s congresses and convention, scheduled from April 9 to 14, 2026, will proceed as planned.
“The INEC under Professor Amupitan will be held directly responsible for whatever actions or reactions follow this criminal path that it has chosen to take,” he warned.
ADC described itself as the last bastion of opposition in Nigeria, stressing that efforts to undermine it are a direct attempt to dismantle democracy. “Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered. ADC is rising,” Mark concluded.
