Abuja, Nigeria — The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has raised concerns over what he described as alleged actions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that could weaken opposition parties in the country.
Mark made the remarks on Thursday during a press conference held at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The briefing followed a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove his name, alongside that of Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records as leaders of the party.
INEC said the action was based on its interpretation of a ruling by the Court of Appeal concerning a leadership dispute within the ADC.
Addressing Nigerians both at home and abroad, Mark questioned the current political climate, warning that it raises serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
He pointed to what he described as the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress, noting that the party controls a significant majority in the National Assembly and governs more than 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states.
“President Tinubu, what are you afraid of?” Mark asked, suggesting that such political dominance should eliminate the need for actions that could undermine opposition voices.
He further questioned the necessity of any moves that might affect electoral competition, arguing that a government confident in its performance should welcome open and transparent elections.
“If you are convinced that you have done well for the people who voted for you, why are you afraid of a free, fair, and transparent electoral contest?” he said.
The former Senate President also challenged the President’s commitment to democratic principles, accusing the administration of actions that could weaken Nigeria’s multiparty system.
“If you are indeed the democrat that you claim to be, why are you bent on destroying all opposition political parties?” Mark added.
The removal of Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s portal has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, with observers and stakeholders expressing differing views on the implications for party politics and democratic governance.
The situation continues to develop as political actors weigh in on the controversy surrounding the ADC leadership and the broader state of opposition politics in the country.
