The African Democratic Congress has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, along with all national commissioners, accusing them of political bias and loss of neutrality.
The party said the current leadership of the electoral body can no longer be trusted to conduct free and fair elections, insisting that confidence in the commission has completely broken down.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark said the officials should either resign immediately or be removed from office. He stressed that the party believes the commission is incapable of organizing credible elections.
The demand comes after INEC delisted the Mark-led leadership of the ADC. The commission based its action on a Court of Appeal ruling that directed all parties involved in the leadership dispute to maintain the existing situation until the case is fully decided.
The leadership crisis began after a lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking recognition as the legitimate national chairman of the party.
Mark challenged the matter at the Court of Appeal, which ordered all sides to maintain the current state of affairs. INEC relied on that order to justify its decision, a move the ADC strongly disagrees with.
Mark argued that INEC misinterpreted the court ruling and acted beyond its authority. He said the commission should have returned to the Court of Appeal for clarification instead of making a unilateral decision.
According to him, the commission’s actions show clear bias and suggest it is working in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress. He added that despite claiming neutrality, INEC has taken steps that support a predetermined agenda.
He further stated that INEC has no legal right to decide who leads a political party. He described the situation created by the commission as one that effectively leaves the ADC without leadership, which he said contradicts the intention of the court’s directive.
The ADC chairman also accused the electoral body of acting in contempt of court and weakening the country’s democratic system.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the party said it will continue with its scheduled activities, including its national convention set for April 14. Mark explained that INEC’s presence is not required for the party to carry out its internal programmes, noting that the commission has already been informed.
The party called on the international community to pay attention to the situation, warning that the actions of INEC could threaten Nigeria’s democracy and stability. It urged global institutions to hold accountable anyone found to be damaging the integrity of the electoral process.
The ADC also appealed to Nigerians to stand up for democratic values and oppose any move toward a one party system, describing the moment as critical for the country’s future.
The press conference was attended by several key figures in the party, including National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and other members of the National Working Committee.
Prominent political figures present included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Other notable attendees were Rotimi Amaechi, Kashim Iman, Ralph Nwosu, Buba Galadima, Mohammed Hayatu Deen, Eyinnaya Abaribe and Tunde Ogheha among others.
