The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has 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 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weaken opposition parties.
ADC National Chairman, David Mark, who stated this while addressing newsmen at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, also demanded the immediate sack of the INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan Joash, over alleged bias and unlawful actions.
The electoral commission had on Wednesday announced its decision to delist key ADC figures, including National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and others. It also said it won’t be monitoring the planned national convention of the party.
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 ADC has been embroiled in a leadership tussle since 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark, a former Senate President, in July 2025.
The crisis stemmed from disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term officially ended in August 2022. However, Nwosu was reportedly involved in facilitating the 2025 leadership transition, a move that triggered opposition from factions within the party.
The dispute escalated as rival groups laid claim to the party’s leadership, resulting in multiple court cases. This has created uncertainty within the ADC, raising concerns that the internal conflict could weaken its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to INEC’s latest move, Mark said that over the past three years, there has been a sustained attack on the freedom of association, a core principle guaranteed in any democracy.
“Right now, I speak to Nigerians at home and in diaspora. I also speak directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: with 90 per cent of the National Assembly and over 30 of Nigeria’s 36 Governors in the APC, President Tinubu, what are you afraid of?” he asked.
Mark continued, “If you are convinced that you have done well for the people who voted for you, why are you afraid of a free, fair, and transparent electoral contest?”
The former Senate President further challenged the President’s democratic credentials, saying: “If you are indeed the democrat that you claim to be, why are you bent on destroying all opposition political parties?”
