The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a deliberate plan to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is being used as a tool to undermine democratic competition.
The accusations follow INEC’s announcement on Wednesday to delist key ADC officials, including Mark himself and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
INEC, through its National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the decision was based on a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of an ongoing legal dispute.
However, the ADC rejected this explanation, describing the move as unlawful and politically motivated.
Mark called for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Amupitan Joash, accusing him and other commissioners of bias and complicity in actions that threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
“We no longer have confidence in them. They are incapable of conducting any credible election,” Mark declared.
The controversy is rooted in a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, which began in 2025 following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark.
The crisis was triggered by disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term officially ended in August 2022 but who remained influential in the party’s transition process.
In July 2025, a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting dissolved the existing leadership and installed a caretaker committee headed by Mark. This decision was reportedly monitored by INEC officials and later communicated to the commission.
INEC subsequently uploaded the names of the new leadership in September 2025.
The situation escalated when a former deputy chairman, Nafiu Bala, who had earlier resigned, approached the court seeking recognition as the party’s leader.
While the case is still pending, the Court of Appeal directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—a legal term referring to the state of affairs before the dispute.
Mark argued that INEC has misinterpreted this directive.
“There is no legal basis for INEC’s action. What they have done is to invent a status quo that never existed,” he said.
Mark accused INEC of acting in contempt of court and undermining citizens’ constitutional rights.
He warned that the move could disrupt the ADC’s participation in upcoming elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as internal party activities scheduled for April 2026.
In a direct message to President Bola Tinubu, Mark questioned the administration’s commitment to democratic principles.
“With a dominant majority in the National Assembly and control of most state governments, what is the fear of a free and fair election?” he asked.
He further alleged that the current political and economic challenges facing Nigerians are being used to justify efforts to retain power at all costs.
Despite the controversy, Mark insisted that the ADC would proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, maintaining that INEC’s presence is not legally required for party operations.
The unfolding dispute highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, raising concerns about electoral integrity, internal party stability, and the future of opposition politics as the 2027 elections approach.
