Our Reporter, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining Nigeria’s democratic system, following the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from the party’s leadership.
Speaking at a world press conference at the Yar ‘adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, former Senate President, David Mark, said INEC’s action represented a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
Mark alleged that the commission’s move to withdraw recognition from both the ADC leadership led by him and a rival faction was not only unlawful but also an attempt to destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Democracy is sustained by the freedom to choose, participate and associate. What we are witnessing is a systematic erosion of these freedoms,” he said.
He explained that the ADC’s current leadership emerged from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which was monitored by INEC and resulted in the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee and the appointment of a caretaker leadership.
According to him, the new leadership structure, with himself as National Chairman and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, was duly communicated to INEC, which subsequently updated its records.
Mark dismissed claims by a former party official, Nafiu Bala, to the party’s leadership, noting that the individual had resigned prior to initiating legal action.
He faulted INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum, arguing that the commission misapplied the legal principle and failed to seek judicial clarification where necessary.
“There was no time the ADC did not have a duly constituted leadership. What INEC has done is to create confusion where none existed,” he said.
The former Senate President further accused INEC of acting in a partisan manner, alleging that its actions were aligned with efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to weaken opposition parties.
He warned that the development posed a broader threat to Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that the issue extended beyond the ADC to the fundamental rights of citizens.
“This is not just about our party. It is about the survival of democracy and the right of Nigerians to freely determine their political future,” Mark added.
The ADC called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to undermine democratic institutions, as concerns continue to mount over the independence of the electoral body.
