Dino Melaye Condemns INEC's Decision to Remove David Mark as ADC Chairman
Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye has launched a scathing criticism against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its controversial move to delist David Mark as the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Melaye, a prominent chieftain of the ADC, described the commission's action as a deliberate misinterpretation of the law designed to undermine the party's internal democratic processes.
"Jankara Interpretation" of the Law
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television's The Morning Brief program on Thursday, March 2026, Melaye accused INEC of employing what he termed a "Jankara interpretation" of legal provisions to serve its own purposes. He emphasized that the commission's timing was particularly damaging, occurring while the party was actively engaged in registration drives, congresses, and preparations for primaries to select candidates for upcoming elections.
"It's explicit, it's clear but for them to give it a 'Jankara' interpretation and to suit their own purpose, knowing fully well that registration is ongoing, congresses are ongoing and you want to leave us without a leader so that we would not be able to conduct all our congresses and even run primaries for us to produce people who will contest the election," Melaye stated forcefully.
Legal and Criminal Action Promised
Melaye revealed that the ADC has already initiated legal proceedings against INEC and plans to escalate the matter further. He warned that the party intends to pursue criminal charges against INEC officials, alleging that their actions constitute criminal disobedience of court orders.
"And as I speak to you, we are even going to criminalize the activities of the officials of INEC because what they have done is criminal and we are going to face it from a criminal perspective in court because it's complete disobedience of the court order," he declared.
Accusations of Bias and Partisanship
The former senator further accused INEC of displaying clear bias in the internal dispute, alleging that the commission has taken sides by recognizing correspondence from a former party member who had voluntarily resigned months earlier. Melaye asserted that this demonstrates INEC's failure as an institution to maintain impartiality.
"INEC as an institution has failed Nigerians and taken sides with a letter written by a man who is no longer a part of the party, who voluntarily resigned on May 17," he charged.
INEC's Official Position
INEC had previously announced its decision to cease recognizing correspondences from both factions of the ADC following a review of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026. In an official statement signed by Mohammed Kudu, Chairman of Information and Voter Education, the commission declared it would no longer engage with either the faction led by David Mark or that associated with Rafiu Bala.
The commission confirmed it would:
- Stop monitoring meetings, congresses, or conventions of either faction
- Remove David Mark's name from its official portal
- Maintain this position until the matter is resolved at the Federal High Court
Roots of the Leadership Crisis
The current dispute originates from a leadership tussle within the ADC that intensified following the resignation of the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee in July 2025. After this resignation, David Mark emerged as interim national chairman alongside former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
However, Rafiu Bala, a former vice chairman of the party, has challenged this arrangement in court, arguing that he should have automatically assumed the chairmanship following Nwosu's resignation. This legal challenge has created the ongoing battle over the party's legitimate leadership structure.
Defiant Political Declaration
Despite the current controversy, Melaye remained defiant about the ADC's political prospects, vowing that the party would participate in upcoming elections and achieve electoral success.
"The country belongs to all of us, the government is not owned by those in government, it's owned by the people, and we will prove that the people own the government and Nigeria belongs to all of us, and that ADC will participate in this election and defeat Tinubu come May 29," he proclaimed.
Melaye emphasized that "they are joking; this country belongs to us" and promised to pursue all legal avenues to challenge INEC's decision, asserting that "we will pursue it legally and also use all rights within the framework of law."
