ADC National Chairman accuses INEC of partisanship, calls for immediate resignation of leadership

Stanley Ihedigbo

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has called for urgent action to defend Nigeria’s democracy following what he described as an unprecedented assault on the nation’s democratic institutions.

Addressing a global press conference yesterday, Senator Mark condemned actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of partisanship and undermining the leadership of the ADC.

Speaking to national and international media, Senator Mark warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical juncture. “Democracy is only sustained by the quality of freedom it guarantees—the freedom to choose, to participate, and to associate. Without these freedoms, democracy dies,” he said.

Senator Mark outlined the background of the crisis, tracing it to the coalition of opposition parties under ADC formed to resist the consolidation of power by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He highlighted that the ADC’s leadership, inaugurated on July 29, 2025, in a process monitored by INEC, remains lawful and constitutional.

He also clarified that Mr. Nafiu Bala, who recently claimed to be ADC chairman, had resigned from his position months earlier, a fact known to INEC.

Despite this, INEC issued a press statement on April 1, 2026, withdrawing recognition from both factions, a move Senator Mark described as creating a “false equivalence” and acting in contempt of the Court of Appeal ruling.

He accused INEC of collaborating with the APC government to weaken opposition and pave the way for a one-party state.

“This is not just an attack on the ADC,” he stated. “It is an attack on Nigeria’s democracy and the rights of Nigerians to choose, to participate, and to exercise their freedoms as citizens.”

Senator Mark warned of the implications of INEC’s actions, noting that it threatens ADC’s participation in the upcoming Osun and Ekiti elections and disrupts party congresses scheduled from April 9–14, 2026. He stressed that ADC would proceed with its programs despite INEC’s interference.

He issued a direct call to the international community to take notice of the threats to Nigeria’s democratic process and to hold accountable those undermining electoral integrity.

He also demanded the resignation or removal of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan and all National Commissioners, citing their incapacity to conduct credible elections.

Concluding his address, Senator Mark urged Nigerians at home and abroad to defend the nation’s democracy: “This is a defining moment. Stand firm. Speak out. Participate. Resist any attempt to impose a one-party state on Nigeria. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we must protect it.”

He ended on a resolute note: “The arc of history bends towards freedom. No matter how long the night may seem, the morning will come. Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered. Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising.”