CHINWE ODITA, News Editor Lagos, CYRIL MBAH, Bureau Chief, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress, ADC has described the derecognition of David Mark-led National Working Committee of its party as a calculated plot to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of using the Independent National Electoral Commission to weaken opposition parties.
ADC National Chairman, Mark stated this while addressing newsmen at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, demanding the immediate sack of the INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan Joash, over alleged bias and unlawful actions.
INEC had on Wednesday announced its decision to delist key ADC figures, including National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and others.
INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the decision was in compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case by the trial court.
Recall, the ADC has faced an ongoing leadership crisis since 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark in July 2025.
The crisis stemmed from disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term officially ended in August 2022. However, Nwosu was reportedly involved in facilitating the 2025 leadership transition, a move that triggered opposition from factions within the party.
The dispute escalated as rival groups laid claim to the party’s leadership, resulting in multiple court cases. This has created uncertainty within the ADC, raising concerns that the internal conflict could weaken its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting, Mark said that over the past three years, there has been a sustained attack on the freedom of association, a core principle guaranteed in any democracy.
The embattled ADC chairman further alleged that the aim is to engineer a situation where, by 2027, President Bola Tinubu becomes the sole viable choice for Nigerians, despite the prevailing hardship and escalating insecurity across the country.
He stated, “The agenda is very clear: to create a situation where, in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people, despite the widespread suffering and wanton killings going on across the country. The twin challenge of deepening poverty and a worsening security situation in the country did not just happen. They are direct consequences of the failure of this government. They know that Nigerians will not want this to continue. They know Nigerians will vote them out. This is why they would do anything to hang on to power by hook or crook.”
Mark stated that their decision to join the ADC was deliberate, noting that they carried out thorough due diligence.
He stated, “In furtherance of this process, a NEC meeting was convened on July 29th, 2025, monitored by INEC officials. One of the conclusions of that NEC meeting was the dissolution of the National Working Committee of the party and the ratification of a caretaker committee to take over the affairs of the party, with my humble self, David Mark, as the National Chairman; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary; as well as others who have since been serving as officers of the party.
“In addition to witnessing this process that brought in the new leadership of the party, a formal report of these resolutions was subsequently communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). On September 9th, 2025, INEC then uploaded the names of the relevant NWC members of the party, based on the NEC resolutions.
“One of the officials in the dissolved NWC was Nafiu Bala, who was one of the Deputy National Chairmen of the party. It is on record that Gombe resigned from this position on 17th May, 2025. His resignation was also duly transmitted to INEC on the 12th of August, 2025. Regardless of his resignation, he decided to approach the courts on September 2nd, 2025, four clear months after his resignation, seeking to be recognised as the Chairman of the ADC.
The embattled chairman said that by September 2, when Bala went to court, INEC was already aware of the July 29 inauguration of the party’s leadership and Gombe’s prior resignation.
He added that while the case was ongoing, their lawyers challenged the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and directed all parties, including INEC, to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
Mark continued, “The crux of the matter is the interpretation of what constitutes status quo ante bellum, which the Court of Appeal directed should be maintained. From all authoritative counsel at our disposal, there is no legal interpretation or precedent that could possibly lead to the outcome that INEC seeks to foist on our party.
“Based on its press statement of yesterday, INEC is pretending to be confused as to what constitutes the status quo ante bellum. If this were so, under the circumstances, what one would have expected was for INEC to approach the Court of Appeal to request a judicial interpretation of what truly represents the status quo under the circumstances. But it did not do this. While posturing to be neutral, its actions confirm that it has become irredeemably partisan, working, as it were, towards a preconceived agenda.
“With its action, INEC has left no one in doubt that it has chosen the path of dishonour and has become complicit in undermining Nigeria’s democracy. It can therefore no longer be trusted. What we say, in essence, is this: INEC cannot choose to fix the status quo from the day it took the administrative action to upload the names of the new ADC officials on its website, because INEC does not have the power to determine for any political party who its leaders should be.
“That decision was taken on July 29th, not on September 9th. With its press release yesterday, INEC has invented a status quo that never existed, because there was no time that the African Democratic Congress did not have a duly constituted leadership. What INEC has done is to create a situation that, by its own curious logic, leaves the ADC without leadership. This certainly cannot be the status quo that the Court of Appeal directed should be preserved. It is an INEC invention that is not known to any Nigerian law.”
Mark accused INEC of acting in contempt of the Court of Appeal, describing its move as a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy and on citizens’ rights to choose, participate, and freely exercise their civic freedoms.
He continued, Right now, I speak to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. I also speak directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: with 90% of the National Assembly and over 30 of Nigeria’s 36 governors in the APC, President Tinubu, what are you afraid of? 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? If you are indeed the democrat that you claim to be, why are you bent on destroying all opposition political parties?
“It is important to state the net implications of this decision taken by INEC, in case they had not thought of it, or they just do not care: First, by attempting to subvert the leadership of the ADC, INEC has already undermined our participation in the Osun and Ekiti elections taking place later this year.
“Secondly, we have our congresses starting on the 9th of April, 2026, ending with our convention on the 14th of April, 2026. We have given due notice to INEC, and they have acknowledged receipt of that notice. This is what the law requires of us. Let us sound a note of warning. This INEC under Professor Joash Amupitan will be held directly responsible for whatever actions or reactions follow this criminal path that it has chosen to take.
“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all the National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election.”
Mark stated that the ADC, under his leadership, will continue with its party activities, maintaining that there is no legal provision that makes INEC’s presence compulsory.
Similarly, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed deep concern over INEC’s actions, which it says were designed to effectively shrink Nigeria’s democratic space.
The group posited that INEC’s actions are contributory to the general destabilisation of opposition parties, an action which it says has started posing a threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
The CNPP warned, in a statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, that this trend of INEC interference in party affairs could lead to a one-party dominant political system, which could undermine electoral competitiveness and erodes democracy.
“The implications are far-reaching, with potential consequences including predictable electoral outcomes, weakened accountability, and public distrust in institutions.
“The CNPP calls on INEC to reassess its actions and recommit to its mandate as an impartial arbiter.”
Dr. Charles Ajaegbu , a lawyer and Economist examined the legal and political implications.
Ajaegbu said, “From the legal perspective, It is common for courts to make orders for the maintenance of status quo when disputes are brought before them as was done by the Court of Appeal in the present dispute on the leadership of ADC. It simply means that things should remain as they are until the court determines the matter!
“In other words, no party in the dispute should take further steps on it until the court determines the dispute, one way or the other.
“Though in actual fact, courts need not make such an order, as it is already a part of the judicial process, yet some courts still do, as done by the Court of Appeal in the instant case, for the avoidance of doubt!
“What then is the status quo in the present case? This is so clear that it should not be debatable!”
He submitted that “At the point of pronouncement by the Court of Appeal, the leadership of APC was in the hands of Senator David Mark. That is the current situation that should be maintained until the court decides the matter! To interpret it otherwise is simply to be disingenuous.
“From the political view, A trend is emerging where the government of the day appears intent on weakening and destroying any viable opposition, using moles and the instrumentality of the law.
He argued that the same pattern of destruction was witnessed in LP and PDP.
Dr. Charles said this path that the current administration has chosen to take is frightening and reminds one of the dark period of Abacha.
He however added that “one is comforted by the fact that if Nigerians could resist Abacha, they would resist his political incarnation in any form.”
In its reaction, the All Progressives Congress, APC has responded critically to the ADC’s predicament, saying the party has started reaping what it sowed.
In a statement issued by Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary, the APC described the ADC as a “kamikaze contraption” with a self-destructive detonator, claiming its internal conflicts are a result of its own making.
The APC remarked that INEC’s decision to de-recognise the David Mark-led faction was valid and justified, citing court judgment. It therefire accused the ADC of being irresponsible and unwilling to take responsibility for its failures.
According to the APC, the ADC is unfit to lead the nation or be taken seriously due to its internal woes and lack of ideas, adding that the ADC’s focus is on attacking the APC rather than offering solutions for Nigeria, saying it was enough signpost of failure.
The APC reiterated its commitment to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthening democratic institutions but the party sees the ADC’s situation as a result of its own actions, saying “you are the author of your fate.
“Quite apart from being an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the All Progressives Congress (APC) is or is not doing to undermine the party.
“When its factional leadership under the duo of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola parachuted into the party like thoughtless and planless commandos, and hijacked the party in violent violation of its constitutional stipulations regarding leadership succession, and in disregard of the rule of law, the ADC set its own date with destiny.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) decision to de-recognize the factional David Mark-led executives in compliance with judgment of court, is valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice. It is the consequence of the party’s reckless and desperate misadventure,” APC stated.
Incidentally, A political analyst and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Abuja, Professir Yusufu Alli Zoaka has highlighted the implications of INEC’s decision to withdraw the recognition of some members of the ADC leadership.
The political scientist stated that the move will disrupt Nigeria’s opposition landscape, potentially consolidating power for the ruling party.
The professor observed that the ADC has already become a major opposition platform, attracting prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso before rhe incident.
He said that the INEC decision reflects the growing trend of negative judicial interventions in internal party affairs, which has risked the entrenchment of a litigation-driven democracy.
“INEC’s position is tenuous, caught between conflicting court orders and political pressures.
By suspending recognition, INEC created a governance void in the ADC.
This situation threatens democratic pluralism, with opposition parties accusing the APC of systematic interference.
“The pattern of leadership crises in opposition parties raises concerns about the ruling party’s commitment to democratic competition.
“The outcome denies voters meaningful electoral choices, undermining accountability.” Professor Zoaka’s analysis suggests INEC’s decision may have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy and he stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to remove Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) respectively, while simultaneously freezing all engagement with the party’s factions, represents a significant disruption to Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
He noted that the ADC has rapidly become a major opposition platform, having attracted prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso—who collectively secured over 60% of votes cast in the 2023 presidential election.
“By suspending recognition of the party’s leadership entirely, INEC has effectively paralyzed one of the most credible opposition vehicles ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, potentially consolidating power in the hands of the ruling party, Professor Zoaka concluded.
Meanwhile, The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to recent public statements by political actors alleging partisan bias, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Commission on account of the decision of the Commission to obey the recent Court of Appeal Judgment.
While the Commission recognises the right of stakeholders to express their views, it is imperative to clarify that INEC is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.
While a political party or a group is allowed to protect their interest, the Commission decided to comply with the Judgment of the Court of Appeal to avert a situation that occurred in Zamfara State and Plateau State where elected officials were removed by the Election Tribunal on account of the disobedience of Court Judgment. In addition, the Commission did not want to disobey the preservative order of the court not to do anything or take any step that would render the processes already filed at the Federal High Court nugatory. Proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC would amount to a disobedience of that order since the relief claimed in the Originating Summons and other court processes filed include an order restraining INEC from monitoring any meeting, congress and convention of the party.
Additionally, it was only on the 9th of September 2025 that INEC accepted and approved David Mark’s Exco, which was seven days after the matter was filed at the Federal High Court. The order to maintain status quo ante bellum means the position of the parties before the beginning of hostilities. It is either that INEC obey the order of the Court of Appeal fully or refuse to obey it. Section 287(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 mandates every person and authority in Nigeria not only to obey the Judgment of the Court of Appeal but also to enforce such Judgment.
Far from undermining the multi-party system, the Commission under Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has actively expanded the democratic space. The recent registration and recognition of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and National Democratic Party (NDP), bringing the total number of active political parties to 22, is an empirical rebuttal to any claim of a one-party agenda. INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition.
The Commission’s updates to party leadership records are strictly anchored on compliance with subsisting court orders and statutory requirements under the Electoral Act 2026. INEC will not be drawn into the internal strife within political parties, nor will it allow itself to be used as a proxy for resolving organisational challenges that belong to the parties themselves, especially when the Court of Appeal has ordered that the matter be granted accelerated hearing.
The Commission also noticed an attempt to politicise the planned nationwide Voter Revalidation exercise. The decision to revalidate the Voters Register pre-dates the appointment of Professor Amupitan. The proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise is a professional necessity to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters. The current register includes data spanning from 2011 to 2024. This exercise is designed to sanitise the register and is to be executed in phases.
The revalidation is intended to confirm the status of registered voters, address issues arising from transfers, multiple registrations and deceased persons, and enhance the reliability of voter data in Nigeria. It is an administrative audit, not a fresh registration. It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic. It is a uniform, transparent process that will be conducted across all Local Government Areas and Polling Units, with robust digital options for ease of access. All the stakeholders will be carried along on this issue.
The Commission is currently focused on the surgical precision required for the forthcoming Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026) off-cycle elections. We will not be distracted by unfounded allegations of collusion or bias. Our allegiance remains solely to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people.
The Commission understands that some decisions can be challenging and may not always align with individual party interests. However, the Commission is dedicated to fostering an electoral environment where transparency and fairness prevail. The decisions taken by INEC are based on thorough evaluations and aligned with the legal framework that governs our operations including adherence to the Rule of Law. They are intended to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, which ultimately serve the interests of all stakeholders within our democracy, rather than specific political entities.
Finally, INEC remains committed to delivering elections that are free, fair, credible and inclusive. The call for the resignation of Professor Amupitan is therefore out of place.
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