By Damilare Adeleye
The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has demanded the immediate sack of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Amupitan Joash, and all National Commissioners over the de-recognition of the party’s leadership.
This is as the party raised alarm over what it described as a calculated plot to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using INEC to weaken opposition parties.
The ADC National Chairman stated this while addressing newsmen at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday.
On Wednesday, INEC delisted the ADC National Chairman, National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and other principal officers from its portal, citing pending litigation.
INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the decision was in compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case by the trial court.
The leadership crisis stemmed from a lawsuit filed by one Nafiu Bala Gombe, a chieftain of the party, against the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC).
Reacting, Mark said that over the past 3 years, there has been a sustained attack on the freedom of association, a core principle guaranteed in any democracy.
He further alleged that the aim is to engineer a situation where, by 2027, Pres. Bola Tinubu becomes the sole viable choice for Nigerians, despite prevailing hardship and escalating insecurity across the country.
He stated, “The agenda is very clear: to create a situation where, in 2027, Pres. Bola Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people, despite the widespread suffering and wanton killings across the country. The twin challenge of deepening poverty and worsening insecurity did not just happen. They are direct consequences of the failure of this government.
“They know that Nigerians will not want this to continue. They know Nigerians will vote them out. This is why they would do anything to hang on to power by hook or crook.”
Mark stated that their decision to join the ADC was deliberate, noting that they carried out thorough due diligence.
He stated, “In furtherance of this process, a NEC meeting was convened on July 29, 2025, monitored by INEC officials. One of the outcomes of that meeting was the dissolution of the National Working Committee of the party and the ratification of a caretaker committee to take over its affairs, with my humble self, David Mark, as National Chairman; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary; and others serving as officers of the party.
“In addition to witnessing this process, a formal report of these resolutions was communicated to INEC. On Sept. 9, 2025, INEC uploaded the names of the relevant NWC members based on the NEC resolutions.
“One of the officials in the dissolved NWC was Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party. It is on record that he resigned on May 17, 2025. His resignation was transmitted to INEC on Aug. 12, 2025. Despite this, he approached the court on Sept. 2, 2025, seeking to be recognised as Chairman of the ADC.”
Mark said that by Sept. 2, 2025, when Bala approached the court, INEC was already aware of the July 29 leadership changes and his prior resignation.
He added that while the case was ongoing, their lawyers challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and directed all parties, including INEC, to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
“The crux of the matter is the interpretation of what constitutes status quo ante bellum, which the Court of Appeal directed should be maintained. From all authoritative counsel at our disposal, there is no legal interpretation that supports INEC’s position.
“If INEC was truly in doubt, it should have approached the Court of Appeal for clarification. Instead, its actions suggest partisanship and a preconceived agenda.”
Mark accused INEC of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, stating that the commission can no longer be trusted.
“With its actions, INEC has chosen the path of dishonour and has become complicit in undermining democracy. It cannot determine for any political party who its leaders should be.
“That decision was taken on July 29, not Sept. 9. INEC has created a leadership vacuum that never existed. This cannot be the status quo directed by the Court of Appeal.”
He further accused INEC of acting in contempt of court, describing its move as a direct attack on democratic principles and citizens’ rights.
Mark also questioned Pres. Tinubu, asking why the administration appears unwilling to allow a free and fair electoral contest.
“It is important to state the implications of INEC’s decision. First, it undermines our participation in the Osun and Ekiti elections later this year.
“Secondly, our congresses begin on April 9, 2026, and end with our convention on April 14, 2026. We have duly notified INEC.
“This INEC under Prof. Joash will be held responsible for any consequences arising from this action.”
He demanded the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman and all National Commissioners.
“We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced they are incapable of conducting credible elections.”
Mark stated that the ADC will proceed with its activities, noting that there is no legal provision making INEC’s presence mandatory.
“We have duly notified INEC and will proceed with our programmes accordingly.”
He called on the international community to take note of INEC’s actions of April 1, 2026, urging them to recognise what he described as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and hold accountable those undermining the electoral process.