The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it describes as a deliberate attempt to edge Nigeria toward a one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weaken opposition voices.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, called for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan Joash, over what he alleged to be bias and unlawful actions.
The controversy follows INEC’s decision to delist key figures within the ADC leadership, including Mark himself and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola. The commission said its action was based on a court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of an ongoing case.
The ADC has been dealing with an internal leadership crisis since 2025, after a new National Working Committee emerged under Mark’s leadership in July of that year. The dispute began over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term officially ended in 2022 but whose involvement in the transition process sparked disagreements within the party.
As rival factions laid claim to leadership, the matter moved to the courts, deepening uncertainty within the party and raising concerns about its readiness for the 2027 elections.
Mark argued that the developments point to a broader pattern of interference in opposition politics. According to him, there has been a steady erosion of democratic freedoms, particularly the right to association.
He claimed the ultimate goal is to create a political environment where President Bola Tinubu faces little or no real competition in 2027, despite the country’s economic and security challenges.
Mark maintained that the party followed due process in establishing its current leadership, noting that a National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, was monitored by INEC officials. At that meeting, the previous leadership was dissolved and a caretaker structure, led by him, was put in place.
He added that the outcome of the meeting was formally communicated to INEC, which later reflected the changes on its official platform.
The situation became more complicated after a former party official, who had earlier resigned, approached the court seeking recognition as chairman. While the case is ongoing, the Court of Appeal directed all parties, including INEC, to maintain the existing situation until a final decision is reached.
Mark, however, questioned INEC’s interpretation of that directive, accusing the commission of creating confusion instead of seeking legal clarification.
He insisted that INEC does not have the authority to determine party leadership and warned that its actions could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to him, the commission’s decision has effectively left the ADC in a state of uncertainty, which he described as both unlawful and damaging to democracy.
Read Also;
ADC, PDP, Obi Kick as INEC Derecognises Party Leaders Amid Legal Dispute
The ADC chairman warned that the implications of the situation could affect the party’s participation in upcoming elections, including those in Osun and Ekiti states.
Despite the challenges, he said the party would continue its scheduled activities, including congresses and its national convention, maintaining that there is no legal requirement for INEC to be present at such internal processes.
Mark also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, stating that the protection of democracy depends on active civic engagement and resistance to actions that could undermine fair political competition.
