ADC Demands Immediate Sack of INEC Chairman, Alleges 2027 Election Plot
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a forceful demand for the immediate dismissal of Professor Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This call follows INEC's controversial decision to de-recognize the party's national leadership, a move the ADC describes as unlawful and politically motivated.
Press Conference Revelations
During a press briefing on Thursday, April 2, ADC National Chairman David Mark declared that the electoral body can no longer be trusted with Nigeria's democratic processes. He accused INEC of acting in bad faith and violating legal principles, while alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is using the commission to systematically weaken opposition parties ahead of crucial elections.
"The electoral body has demonstrated through its actions that it cannot be trusted," Mark stated emphatically. "What we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic institutions and create an uneven playing field."
INEC's De-recognition Decision
INEC had announced on Wednesday that it would delist key ADC figures, including National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. The commission justified this action by citing compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the determination of an ongoing legal case.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained in a statement that the decision was made in response to judicial directives. However, the ADC leadership contends that INEC has misinterpreted both the court order and its own administrative responsibilities.
Alleged Political Agenda for 2027
Mark presented a startling allegation during the briefing, claiming that the ultimate goal of these actions is to engineer a political landscape where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu becomes the only viable presidential option for Nigerians in the 2027 elections.
"The agenda is transparently clear," Mark asserted. "They aim to create circumstances where, by 2027, President Tinubu emerges as the solitary choice for citizens, despite the widespread suffering and escalating insecurity plaguing our nation. The deepening poverty and worsening security situation are direct consequences of governmental failure, and they know Nigerians would vote them out in a fair contest."
Leadership Transition Details
The ADC chairman provided detailed background about the party's leadership transition, explaining that their decision to join the ADC was deliberate and followed thorough due diligence. A National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened on July 29, 2025, with INEC officials present, resulted in several key decisions:
- Dissolution of the previous National Working Committee
- Ratification of a caretaker committee to assume party affairs
- Appointment of David Mark as National Chairman
- Appointment of Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary
These resolutions were formally communicated to INEC, which subsequently uploaded the names of the new ADC officials to its website on September 9, 2025. Mark emphasized that one of the officials from the dissolved NWC, Nafiu Bala, had actually resigned from his position as Deputy National Chairman on May 17, 2025, with this resignation transmitted to INEC on August 12, 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Status Quo Interpretation
Despite his resignation, Bala approached the courts on September 2, 2025, seeking recognition as ADC chairman. Mark noted that by this date, INEC was already fully aware of both the July 29 leadership inauguration and Bala's prior resignation.
"The fundamental issue revolves around interpreting what constitutes 'status quo ante bellum,' which the Court of Appeal directed should be maintained," Mark explained. "There exists no legal interpretation or precedent that could justify the outcome INEC is attempting to impose on our party."
The ADC chairman accused INEC of pretending confusion about the status quo definition while deliberately choosing not to seek judicial clarification from the Court of Appeal. He characterized INEC's actions as demonstrating irredeemable partisanship and working toward a preconceived political agenda.
Democratic Implications and Warnings
Mark described INEC's move as a direct attack on Nigeria's democracy and citizens' constitutional rights to choose their leaders and participate freely in political processes. He outlined several concerning implications of INEC's decision:
- Undermining ADC's participation in upcoming Osun and Ekiti state elections
- Potentially disrupting scheduled party congresses beginning April 9, 2026, and concluding with the convention on April 14, 2026
- Creating artificial leadership vacuum within a duly constituted political party
The ADC has formally notified INEC about its upcoming congresses as required by law, and the commission has acknowledged receipt of this notice. However, Mark issued a stern warning about potential consequences.
"This INEC under Professor Joash Amupitan will be held directly responsible for whatever actions or reactions follow this unlawful path it has chosen," he cautioned.
Direct Challenge to President Tinubu
In a remarkable address directed at both Nigerians and President Tinubu, Mark posed challenging questions about the administration's democratic credentials.
"With 90% of the National Assembly and over 30 of Nigeria's 36 governors in the APC, President Tinubu, what exactly are you afraid of?" he asked pointedly. "If you are convinced of your performance for the people who voted for you, why fear a free, fair, and transparent electoral contest? If you truly are the democrat you claim to be, why attempt to destroy all opposition political parties?"
Formal Demands and Loss of Confidence
The ADC concluded with formal demands reflecting their complete loss of confidence in the current electoral commission leadership.
"We demand the immediate resignation or dismissal of INEC Chairman Professor Amupitan and all National Commissioners," Mark declared. "We no longer maintain any confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections. They have demonstrated through their actions that they are incapable of upholding democratic principles and ensuring electoral integrity."
The party's strong statements highlight growing tensions within Nigeria's political landscape as the country approaches another election cycle, with opposition parties expressing serious concerns about institutional neutrality and democratic fairness.
