2027: ADC, APC trade words over INEC derecognition as political tensions rise
A fresh political confrontation has erupted between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of factions within the ADC leadership.
The development has triggered sharp reactions from both parties, with each side accusing the other of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Addressing a world press conference, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, described INEC’s action as “a direct assault on democracy,” warning that it could erode citizens’ fundamental rights to political participation and association.
The former Senate President accused the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating efforts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that the ADC leadership emerged through due process at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which, according to him, was monitored by INEC.
Mark also faulted INEC’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” insisting that the commission acted outside its constitutional role.
According to him, “Our demand is therefore clear: We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all the National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election. Let us also make it clear: we are proceeding with our party programmes, because there is nothing under the law that makes INEC’s attendance, a mandatory requirement. We have duly served INEC notice, and we will proceed accordingly.
“We also call on the international community to take note of INEC’s actions of April 1st, and of the restraint we are exercising today. We urge them to recognise the clear threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability, and to hold accountable those who are undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“We call on Nigerians to defend our democracy. This is a defining moment. Stand firm. Speak out. Participate. Resist any attempt to impose a one-party state on Nigeria. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we must protect it. It is often said, that the arc of history does not bend towards tyranny. It bends towards freedom. And no matter how long the night may seem, the morning will come. Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered. Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising.”
Reacting, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described allegations as baseless, insisting that the opposition party was responsible for its own internal crisis.
The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the ADC as “an assembly of confused and desperate politicians” spreading conspiracy theories.
Morka alleged that the crisis stemmed from an unlawful takeover of the party’s leadership by a faction led by David Mark and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola in violation of the party’s constitution.
According to him, “Quite apart from being an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the All Progressives Congress (APC) is or is not doing to undermine the party.
“The ADC is a party that never was. By design, it was a kamikaze contraption with a “follow-come” self-destructive detonator. It had to unravel and now unraveling fast by installment.
“When it’s factional leadership under the duo of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola parachuted into the party like thoughtless and planless commandos, and hijacked the party in violent violation of its constitutional stipulations regarding leadership succession, and in disregard of the rule of law, the ADC set its own date with destiny.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) decision to de-recognize the factional David Mark-led executives in compliance with judgment of court, is valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice. It is the consequence of the Party’s reckless and desperate misadventure.
“It is therefore highly escapist and irresponsible for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal woes of which they are the sole architects.
“The ADC’s unwillingness to take responsibility for its miserable failure to follow due process, order its internal affairs, and manage its self-inflicted crisis makes ADC grossly unfit as platform to be taken seriously by Nigerians. A party that cannot fix itself cannot possibly fix Nigeria.
“The ADC has absolutely nothing to offer more than its senseless attacks against the APC. Attacking the APC seems to be its cardinal commitment and manifesto. It is a party bereft of ideas and lost in vain desperation for power.
“Our great Party and the administration of President Bola Tinubu remain steadfast in delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, and strengthening democratic institutions for peace, unity and prosperity of all Nigerians,” he said.