A political storm gathered force in the nation’s capital on Thursday as the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, issued a dramatic call for the resignation – or outright removal – of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, along with all national commissioners.
Speaking before a packed hall at a high-profile press conference in Abuja, Mark accused the electoral body of abandoning its neutrality and eroding public trust, warning that Nigeria’s democracy stood at a dangerous crossroads.
The fiery address came on the heels of INEC’s controversial decision to delist the ADC’s leadership, a move that has deepened internal party tensions and triggered fresh debate about the commission’s independence. INEC had earlier suspended recognition of all factions within the party following a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over its leadership structure.
But Mark was unequivocal.
“We no longer have confidence in them,” he declared. “This commission has shown itself incapable of conducting credible elections. Its actions betray a troubling partisanship that undermines the very foundation of our democracy.”
His words drew murmurs – and applause – from an audience that included some of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.
Despite the regulatory standoff, Mark insisted the ADC would forge ahead with its planned national convention, arguing that the law does not require INEC’s physical presence once due notice has been given.
“We have fulfilled all statutory obligations,” he said firmly. “No authority can lawfully obstruct our internal democratic processes.”
In a move that signaled the gravity of the moment, Mark called on the international community to closely monitor developments, particularly events surrounding April 1, warning that recent actions by INEC could destabilize Nigeria’s democratic framework.
He cautioned that persistent interference in party affairs risked weakening public confidence in elections and corroding democratic institutions nationwide.
“This is a defining moment,” he told Nigerians. “Democracy survives only when institutions are impartial and accountable. Citizens must remain vigilant and committed to defending their rights.”
Yet amid the tension, Mark struck a note of cautious optimism. He expressed confidence that Nigeria would weather the current crisis, emerging stronger through adherence to justice, the rule of law, and electoral integrity.
Behind the scenes, the ADC itself has undergone significant restructuring. Mark revealed that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025 – under INEC’s observation – had dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and installed a caretaker leadership to guide its transition.
The interim team, chaired by Mark with Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, was tasked with stabilizing the party and preparing for an inclusive national convention. According to Mark, all decisions were properly documented and communicated to INEC, which initially updated its records accordingly.
He also disclosed that former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala had formally resigned, with due process followed in notifying the electoral body.
The press conference drew an influential crowd, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, John Odigie-Oyegun, and others – an assembly Mark described as a powerful endorsement of the party’s reform agenda and its demand for accountability.
As political tensions simmer, one thing is clear: the battle over electoral integrity in Nigeria has entered a new and uncertain phase, with consequences that may reverberate far beyond party lines.
