The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the resignation of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body has taken sides in ongoing political disputes.
The demand was made by David Mark, interim national chairman of the party, during a press conference on Thursday at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Mark said INEC’s recent decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s national working committee (NWC) has undermined its neutrality.
“The electoral umpire has taken sides. It can no longer be trusted,” he said.
INEC had on Tuesday announced that it would discontinue recognition of the Mark-led leadership of the ADC pending the determination of suits before the court.
Reacting, Mark accused the commission of acting in contempt of a court of appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo.
He said INEC’s action has created confusion within the party by attempting to equate what he described as a lawful leadership with a “fictitious” faction.
According to him, the leadership of the ADC emerged from a national executive committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which was monitored by INEC.
He added that the resolutions of the meeting, including the appointment of a caretaker committee, were duly communicated to the commission, which later uploaded the names of the new officials.
Mark said Nafiu Bala Gombe, whose claim to the party’s leadership is at the centre of the dispute, had earlier resigned his position before approaching the court.
“There are no competing claims to the leadership of the ADC. Nafiu Bala has no locus whatsoever,” he said.
He criticised INEC for failing to seek judicial clarification on the interpretation of “status quo ante bellum” and instead taking what he described as a unilateral decision.
“If INEC was genuinely confused, it should have approached the court for interpretation. Instead, it has invented a status quo that never existed,” he said.
Mark accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said the ADC emerged as a coalition platform to defend multi-party democracy and resist what he described as an attempt to impose a one-party system.
“This is not just about ADC. It is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the right of Nigerians to choose,” he said.
The former senate president said the party would proceed with its scheduled congresses and convention despite INEC’s position.
“We have given INEC notice as required by law. Whether they attend or not, we will proceed,” he said.
Mark warned that the commission would be held responsible for any consequences arising from its actions.
He called on Nigerians and the international community to take note of the developments and defend democratic institutions.
“This is a defining moment. Nigerians must stand firm and resist any attempt to impose a one-party state,” he said.
