The African Democratic Congress has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of taking sides in Nigeria’s political landscape, warning that recent actions by the electoral body pose a serious threat to democracy.
Addressing a world press conference, the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, alleged that the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from the party’s leadership was unlawful and politically motivated.
Mark said Nigeria’s democratic gains since 1999 were now under pressure, claiming that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu had presided over a steady erosion of key freedoms, including the rights to choose, participate, and associate politically.
He further alleged that the move by INEC was part of a broader agenda to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the ADC had emerged as a strong alternative platform resisting what he described as an attempt to create a one-party state.
The ADC leader traced the party’s current leadership structure to a National Executive Committee meeting held in July 2025, where a caretaker leadership was inaugurated in a process he said was monitored by INEC itself. He maintained that the commission had earlier acknowledged the leadership before reversing its stance.
Mark also dismissed claims by a former party official, Nafiu Bala, describing his attempt to lay claim to the party’s leadership as baseless, noting that he had already resigned before initiating legal action.
He criticised INEC’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the “status quo,” arguing that the commission failed to seek proper judicial clarification and instead acted in a manner that created confusion within the party.
According to him, the electoral body’s latest decision effectively leaves the ADC without recognised leadership, a move he described as unprecedented and inconsistent with Nigerian law.
The party warned that the development could affect its participation in upcoming elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled internal activities in April.
Calling for accountability, the ADC demanded the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman and national commissioners, stating that it had lost confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections.
Despite the dispute, Mark affirmed that the party would proceed with its planned congresses and convention, stressing that INEC’s presence was not a legal requirement for such activities.
He also urged Nigerians and the international community to take note of the situation, describing it as a defining moment for the country’s democracy and calling for vigilance against any attempt to suppress opposition voices.
