…Demands Chairman’s resignation
A political storm has erupted across Nigeria’s opposition landscape following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, triggering widespread protests, calls for resignation, and warnings of a looming democratic crisis.
INEC, through its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, announced that it had removed the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC from its official portal. The commission said the move was in compliance with a March 12, 2026 Court of Appeal ruling, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing leadership dispute before the Federal High Court.
Citing conflicting legal claims between the Mark-led faction and a rival group led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, INEC declared that it would no longer recognise or engage with any faction of the party. The commission further stated that it would suspend monitoring of ADC activities, including meetings, congresses, and conventions, until the court delivers a final judgment.
However, the decision has sparked fierce backlash from opposition parties and political groups, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ADC, and supporters of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
The ADC, through its spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected INEC’s interpretation of the court order, insisting that maintaining the “status quo” means recognising the leadership structure that existed before the legal dispute—when David Mark was in charge.
Abdullahi accused INEC of bowing to pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging a coordinated attempt to destabilise the opposition. He further claimed that there were plans to stage protests using sponsored individuals posing as aggrieved party members to demand Mark’s removal, describing it as part of a broader strategy to hijack the party’s leadership.
Despite the crisis, the ADC leadership vowed to continue its programmes, stressing that there is no legal requirement for INEC’s presence in its internal activities.
In a stronger stance, ADC leaders called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing him and the commission of partisanship and declaring that they could no longer be trusted to conduct the 2027 general elections. They also urged the international community to take note of what they described as deliberate efforts to undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions, while calling on Nigerians to resist any move toward a one-party state.
The PDP echoed similar concerns, accusing the APC-led government of systematically interfering in opposition parties to weaken democratic competition. Its National Publicity Secretary described the situation as a “national tragedy” and warned that continued manipulation of political structures could erode public confidence in the electoral process. He also hinted at the possibility of a broader opposition response, including potential election boycotts if the trend persists.
Adding to the pressure, the ‘Obedient movement’, a key support base for Peter Obi, also demanded the immediate resignation of INEC Chairman Amupitan and announced plans for nationwide protests under the banner: #OccupyINEC. In an issued statement by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the group condemned INEC’s action as “absurd” and politically motivated, warning that it could have catastrophic consequences for the country’s democracy. The movement accused the Commission of losing its neutrality and acting in ways that undermine public trust.
Declaring the start of mass mobilisation, the group called on Nigerians across all states and the Federal Capital Territory to participate in peaceful protests. In Abuja, demonstrators are expected to converge at the ADC national headquarters before marching to INEC’s headquarters.
Tanko emphasised that the protest goes beyond partisan politics, describing it as a struggle for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that allowing such actions to stand could push the country toward a dangerous one-party system.
Meanwhile, INEC has maintained that its actions are strictly guided by legal directives, particularly the appellate court’s order to preserve the status quo and prevent any party from taking steps that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
Despite the Commission’s defence, the controversy has deepened political tensions, with opposition forces increasingly uniting against what they perceive as institutional bias, setting the stage for a potentially volatile period ahead of the 2027 general elections.
