…List fresh conditions, threaten legal, civic action
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Top political heavyweights, including former Senate President David Mark, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi and Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday converged on Abuja in a dramatic show of force as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated its confrontation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During the peaceful protest, ADC chieftains and members demanded the immediate resignation or removal of the electoral umpire’s Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN.
The protest, staged at INEC headquarters, marked a turning point in what began as an internal leadership crisis within the ADC last September but has now spiralled into a full-blown political standoff, with implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing supporters, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, alongside National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, accused the INEC chairman of partisanship, constitutional violations and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral system.
“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party said.
At the heart of the dispute, the ADC said, is what it described as an unconstitutional attempt by the INEC chairman to interpret court rulings—an action the party insists is reserved exclusively for the judiciary.
“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party stated.
The ADC further alleged that recent communications from the Commission have deepened fears that INEC may no longer be acting as a neutral umpire in the nation’s democratic process.
“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.
Raising the stakes, the party argued that any perceived interference in its internal affairs or alignment with factional interests could weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism—and all of these you have done,” it said.
The party anchored its position on a series of internal decisions reached in 2025, including multiple National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that produced its current leadership under Senator Mark.
According to the ADC, the processes were transparent, monitored by INEC officials and duly acknowledged by the Commission at the time. It added that INEC had affirmed the legitimacy of those processes in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court, but alleged that attempts are now being made to pressure officials into reversing their earlier stance.
“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,” the party stated.
While acknowledging the contributions of other officials within the Commission, the ADC said the actions of the chairman have brought the institution into disrepute and eroded public confidence.
“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute,” it added.
The party, however, issued a list of conditions it said must be met to restore confidence in the electoral body, warning that failure to comply would trigger both legal and civic consequences.
The ADC demands include:
• Immediate resignation of the INEC chairman or his removal by appropriate constitutional authorities
• Withdrawal of INEC’s correspondence to the ADC described as “offensive”
• A formal apology from INEC to the ADC
• A commitment by INEC to refrain from interference in the internal affairs of political parties
The party threatened to embark on enforcement measures if its demands are ignored, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action.
“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the ADC said.
