. INEC won’t stop us from contesting on our party platform, ADC vows
. As Anambra chapter suspends congress
. PDP, ADC leaders hold close-door meeting in Abuja
African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday in Abuja staged a peaceful protest over the derecognition of the Sen. David Mark leadership by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest began from Maitama Roundabout to INEC
headquarters in the FCT.
NAN also reports that the protest, led by Mark, the party’s National Chairman, also include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal and Dino Melaye.
Speaking during the protest, Mark said that the interpretation of court judgments was the exclusive preserve of the judiciary, and not that of the INEC chairman.
He said that attempting to assume the role of the judiciary amounted to a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.
“INEC’s earlier correspondence to ADC reinforces the perception that the commission has abandoned neutrality and has instead aligned itself with factional interests.
“This is not only improper, it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system, ” he said.
Mark said it was on record that the individual in question attended the NEC meeting of ADC, where the NWC, led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, and of which Nafiu Bala was a member, was dissolved.
“Having participated in that decision, any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory and devoid of legal credibility,” he said.
In a protest letter signed by Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and submitted to INEC during the protest, ADC demanded
immediate resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
The party also demanded the immediate withdrawal of INEC’s “offensive correspondence” to ADC and a formal apology to the party.
The protesters called for a clear commitment by INEC to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
ADC said it would activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action if INEC failed to comply with its demands.
NAN reports that a faction of the party, led by Nafiu Bala, had engaged the Mark faction in a legal battle over the control of the party.
NAN also reports that INEC had suspended the recognition of the two factions, following a Court of Appeal ruling and the ongoing litigation at a Federal High Court over the party’s leadership.
The party in an open letter to INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan signed by Former Senate President and ADC chairman Senator David Mark and ADC National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made available to Journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
The reads :
AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC)
ADC Global Campus & Transformation Centre
Plot 121, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent
Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria
www.adcparty.org.ng | Email: info@adcparty.org.ng
08105507372, 09090690000
April 8, 2026
Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
INEC National Headquarters,
Plot 436, Zambezi Crescent,
Maitama, Abuja.
Dear Sir,
RE: DEMAND FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OVER PARTISAN CONDUCT, GROSS MISCONDUCT, CONSTITUTIONAL BREACH, AND THREAT TO MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY
We write to convey our strongest condemnation of your recent actions and public statements, which have further deepened concerns about your fitness to continue in office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy and to assume roles far outside the constitutional mandate of the Commission.
Of grave concern is your attempt to constitute yourself into an interpreter of judicial pronouncements. This is wholly unacceptable. The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role, offering partisan constructions of legal outcomes in a manner that appears to favour a particular individual, amounts to a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.
Your conduct, taken together with INEC’s earlier correspondence to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reinforces the perception that the Commission under your leadership has abandoned neutrality and has instead aligned itself with factional interests. This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.
Furthermore, it is a matter of record that the individual in question attended the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC at which the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, of which he was a member, was duly dissolved. Having participated in that decision, any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position, or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory, and devoid of legal credibility.
INEC’s posture in this regard raises serious questions about bias and institutional overreach.
INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgments to suit a preferred narrative. Its duty is clear: to act strictly within the bounds of the Constitution and the law, with absolute neutrality and professionalism.
Beyond these infractions, we unequivocally condemn what can only be described as a dangerous and unacceptable attempt to undermine and destroy Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system. Any action, policy, or conduct that tilts the electoral playing field, elevates an aggrieved party member to factional leader, or interferes with the internal autonomy of political parties strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done.
We state, without equivocation, that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will resist any such attempt—lawfully, firmly, and resolutely. Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of political plurality, and no individual or institution will be allowed to erode that foundation through partisan conduct and administrative overreach.
We acknowledge that the INEC was, and is still populated by many men and women of conscience and integrity who have laboured over the years in the service of our country and the sanctity of its electoral process. But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste by your very conduct, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute and has significantly eroded public confidence.
For avoidance of doubts, we outline below, the basic process that led to the emergence of the David Mark led executive, which copiously established that you are indeed in a position to know the truth but only chose to distort or ignore it.
On March 27, 2025, the Party, ADC, had its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the National Headquarters and Transformation Centre, 4, Oyo St., Area 2, Abuja, where it decided among other matters to waive the provisions of Articles 9.3(1)(2)(3) & 9.4(1). These Articles of the Party’s Constitution had earlier been highlighted in the opening remarks of the Chairman of the Party as impediments to the vision of the Party to build an all-inclusive Party that will align other stakeholders in a broad patriotic coalition. To this end, the National Legal Adviser of the Party, Peter Oyewole Esq., moved that Article 9.4(4) be invoked accordingly. This motion was adopted at the meeting. This meeting had INEC officials, NWC and NEC members in attendance. In addition, the report of the meeting was forwarded to INEC by the Party in a letter to the Chairman of INEC dated April 3, 2025 and was acknowledged as received in the office of the Chairman of INEC.
On April 4, 2025, another National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was held at the Chelsea Hotel, CBD, Abuja. This meeting decided among other matters to:
a. Suspend Article 23(4) of the Party’s constitution which could prevent the assumption of vacant offices by merit.
b. Mandate and empower the National Chairman; Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and the National Working Committee (NWC) to take all necessary actions, make requisite decisions and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful formation, coordination and execution of the coalition in line with the vision and objectives of the Party.
c. The resolutions were unanimously passed and adopted by the meeting.
This meeting had INEC officials, NWC and NEC members in attendance. The report of the meeting was communicated to the Chairman of INEC in a letter dated May 21, 2025. It was acknowledged as received in the office of the Chairman of INEC on May 30, 2025.
On July 2, 2025, the National Working Committee (NWC), following the order of the NEC of May 15, 2025 already cited above, at its meeting made the following resolutions:
a. Constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the Party in light of the coalition process and internal restructuring.
b. Composition and appointment of people to the Caretaker Committee/Interim NWC with Senator David Mark as caretaker National Chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as caretaker National Secretary, Abdullahi as caretaker National Publicity Secretary, as well other members.
c. The Caretaker Committee is to manage the affairs of the Party for a minimum period of twelve months.
On July 29, 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party met at Chelsea Hotel, CBD, Abuja and made the following decisions among others:
a. Ratification of NWC resolutions and constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the Party in light of the coalition process and internal restructuring.
b. Approval of the composition and appointment of people to the Caretaker Committee which includes all the officers listed above.
c. The National Chairman; Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and National Secretary Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi were mandated to immediately notify INEC of the changes in the Party’s leadership.
d. Following the adoption of motions and ratification of the Caretaker Committee members by the NEC of the Party unanimously, members were sworn into their various offices and necessary oaths of office were administered. This was done in the presence of INEC officials and NEC members without a single objection. NEC members, all the newly appointed Caretaker Committee members affirmed their loyalty and commitment to the African Democratic Congress and its Constitution. There was not a single objection or dissenting voice.
e. The report of this NEC meeting was submitted to INEC as directed by the NEC by Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi.
f. It was on the basis of this open, transparent process that INEC accepted the new leadership and uploaded the principal officers in its electronic portal.
From the foregoing, therefore, no member of the former NWC of the Party therefore has any right or claim to any office thereafter.
You must also be aware that INEC’s own affidavit, deposed at the Federal High Court on September 12, unequivocally confirms all of the foregoing. We must also bring to your notice that we are aware of efforts being made by INEC under your directive as well as the pressure being mounted on conscientious INEC officials to recant their testimonies which contradicts the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable.
In light of all the foregoing, we hereby demand:
Your immediate resignation from office in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC; OR
Your immediate removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries.
We also reiterate our demand for:
The immediate withdrawal of INEC’s offensive correspondence to the ADC;
A formal apology to the party; and
A clear commitment to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action.
The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise.
Yours faithfully,
Senator David Mark
National Chairman,
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
National Secretary,
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
ADC suspends congresses in Anambra
The Anambra Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended all congresses in the state until further notice.
The Chairman and Secretary of the party, Mr Patrick Obianyo and Mr Lawrence Okeke, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.
The party stated that the decision was to underscore its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authority.
It directed all its members and stakeholders to “remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful throughout this period”.
According to the statement, new dates for the congresses and conventions would be communicated at the end of the ongoing national consultations and meetings.
It stated that the Obianyo-led committee remained valid and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and the general public to disregard any directives, announcements, or actions emanating from other persons.
“We urge all members and supporters of ADC to continue to uphold peace, unity, and discipline as we navigate this period,” the party added.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to contest the 2027 general election under its own platform, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to discontinue recognising the party’s leadership over a court order.
Appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi expressed confidence that the opposition party will overcome all hurdles ahead.
“One thing I can guarantee is that we will contest the 2027 election on the ADC platform,” Abdullahi said.
“Regardless of what has happened in Nigeria, we still have confidence in the judiciary. We believe we have a slam-dunk case. If we are granted the accelerated hearing today and the court sits, we are confident that justice will be done. We have no doubt in our minds about that. While we are hoping for the best, we are also preparing for the worst.”
The spokesperson maintained that, since the party had given INEC the recommended 21-day notice for its congresses, it has nothing to fear, adding, “If the same INEC that swore in an affidavit that it was aware of the leadership change in the ADC is now turning around to say what they are saying, they are not going to stop us.”
He emphasised that the party will not simply give up, warning that surrendering would make them complicit in the erosion of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
One-Party State Concerns
Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu of seeking to make Nigeria a one-party state, vowing that the ADC will resist such a development.
“We in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are saying that Nigeria will not become a one-party state in our generation. We will do everything within the law to resist it,” he said.
According to him, President Tinubu is aware of his unpopularity, and the ruling party’s internal polls have pushed it into panic mode.
“The APC has almost all the governors and lawmakers, but Nigerians do not want the party anymore,” he said.
Abdullahi further alleged that the ruling party is making efforts to destabilize opposition political parties because it wants a situation where Tinubu will be the only viable presidential contender in 2027.
“It is the same agenda. They want a situation whereby when we arrive in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the only viable contestant. This is the agenda.
“It is the reason they decapitated the PDP and made it an appendage of the ruling party now; it is the reason they destabilize the Labour Party; it is the reason they destroyed NNPP,” he said.
No Boycott
Asked if the ADC will join calls by some opposition parties to boycott the 2027 election, Abdullahi said the party will never do that.
“We are not going to boycott. Like I said, to boycott is to surrender. I mean, you boycott, you make headlines — then what?” he said.
He added that the ADC carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians who have endured hardships over the last three years and will not disappoint them by boycotting a process that could improve their lives.
Legal Backdrop
In September 2025, Gombe sued at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the NWC led by David Mark and Aregbesola.
He claimed he should have assumed leadership after Nwosu resigned and alleged that Nwosu’s resignation letter was forged.
Last week, INEC removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola as chairman and secretary of the ADC from its portal, citing a court order to maintain the status quo.
Abdullahi insists that the process that brought the David Mark-led ADC to power is “clear” and “legal.”
The ADC, which was adopted as a coalition party in July 2025, is positioning itself to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The party counts prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso among its supporters.
The Nigerian Voters Organisation (NVO) has urged the African Democratic Congress to proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, despite what it described as the “phantom de-recognition” of the party’s leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement signed by Barr. Jezie Ekejiuba, President of NVO, the group called on ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, “not to be deceived” by the electoral body’s action, which it alleged was aimed at disrupting the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The organisation said “from all legal angles the de-recognition… cannot stand the test of legal scrutiny as it is void ab initio,” insisting that INEC lacked the authority to interpret court orders in a manner that renders a party’s leadership structure ineffective.
NVO further alleged that the move was “a banana peel laid by APC… to scuttle the planned congresses of the ADC,” claiming it was intended to prevent the party from fielding candidates in 2027.
It questioned how INEC, described as a party in an ongoing appeal involving ADC leadership, could “assume the role of a court of law” in interpreting a status quo order to mean a leadership vacuum.
“It is ridiculous for INEC, a co-party in a Civil Court of Appeal process, to assume the role of a court of law and punish a co-party,” the statement said.
The group commended the ADC leadership for proceeding with its timetable, noting that the move would enable the party to meet requirements of the Electoral Act, 2026.
It added that the decision by INEC was “politically manipulated and sponsored… and legally void as it is unknown to law.”
NVO also issued a seven-day ultimatum to INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to reverse the decision and resign, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action.
The organisation said it would work with other stakeholders to resist what it described as attempts to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
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