The African Democratic Congress has passed a vote of no confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, calling for the immediate resignation of its chairman and national commissioners over what it described as “partisan and unlawful actions” against the party.
Addressing a world press conference on Thursday, the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, accused the electoral umpire of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and acting in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Mark said the party could no longer trust INEC to conduct credible elections following its recent decision to withdraw recognition from the ADC leadership led by him.
“The electoral umpire has taken sides. It can no longer be trusted,” he said, insisting that the commission’s action amounted to contempt of court and a direct assault on democratic principles.
The ADC leadership faulted INEC’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling which directed parties to maintain the status quo in an ongoing leadership dispute, arguing that the commission “invented a status quo that never existed.”
According to Mark, INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from both his leadership and a rival faction allegedly led by Nafiu Bala was a deliberate attempt to destabilise the party and weaken opposition politics ahead of future elections.
He maintained that Bala had earlier resigned from his position in the party and lacked any legal standing to lay claim to its leadership.
The former Senate President further alleged that the actions of INEC were influenced by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the government of plotting to eliminate opposition and impose a one-party state.
He said, “With overwhelming control of political structures across the country, what is the government afraid of if it truly believes it has the support of Nigerians?”
Mark warned that the commission’s action could jeopardise the ADC’s participation in upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as disrupt its scheduled party congresses and national convention in April.
Despite the development, he affirmed that the party would proceed with its planned activities, noting that INEC’s presence was not a legal requirement once due notice had been given.
The ADC chairman also called on the international community to take note of what he described as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democracy, urging Nigerians to resist any attempt to stifle opposition voices.
He said the current situation was not just about the ADC but a broader struggle to preserve democratic freedoms, including the rights to political participation and association.
Reiterating the party’s position, Mark declared that the ADC leadership inaugurated at its July 29, 2025 National Executive Committee meeting remained the legitimate authority of the party.
He added that Nigerians must remain vigilant, stressing that any attempt to erode democratic institutions could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability.
“The attack is not just on ADC. It is an attack on Nigeria’s democracy. We must all rise to defend it,” he said.
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