ADC demands sack of Amupitan, INEC Commissioners for ‘undermining’ Nigeria’s democracy

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan has lost public trust and was no longer capable of conducting credible, transparent, and acceptable elections in the country.

Mark said this on Thursday in Abuja during press conference in which he demanded the resignation or removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and all national commissioners of the electoral body.

The press conference, which was also attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, and John Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of ADC was convened following Wednesday’s derecognition of David Mark’s leadership of the party by INEC,

INEC had suspended recognition of all ADC leadership factions after a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s leadership structure.

But Mark said the action of INEC had intensified political tensions and raised fresh questions about the commission’s independence.

“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all the national commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” Mark said at the press confrence.

He claimed that while INEC is posturing to be neutral, its actions clearly confirm that it has become irredeemably partisan in both conduct and decision-making.

“With its actions, this INEC has left no one in doubt that it is complicit in undermining Nigeria’s democracy and can no longer be trusted,” he said.

The ADC National Chairman also affirmed that the party would proceed with its planned national convention.

He stressed that INEC’s presence was not mandatory at the national convention once lawful notification had been served.

Mark also claimed ADC had complied fully with all statutory requirements, insisting that no regulatory obstacle could lawfully halt its internal democratic processes.

The ADC chairman urged the international community to scrutinise INEC’s actions on Wednesday, April 1, warning that recent developments posed serious threats to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

He also cautioned that continued interference in party affairs could erode public confidence in elections and weaken democratic institutions across the country.

While calling on Nigerians to defend democracy, Mark urged citizens to remain vigilant, resolute, and actively engaged in safeguarding their rights.

He stressed that democracy thrives only when institutions remain impartial and accountable to the people they are meant to serve.

Mark reaffirmed confidence in democratic progress, stating that history consistently favours freedom over tyranny, and expressing optimism about Nigeria’s political future.

He said the country would overcome its current political challenges and emerge stronger through collective commitment to justice, rule of law, and electoral integrity.

Explaining the coalition move and leadership restructuring, Mark said the decision followed extensive consultations, due diligence, and strict compliance with the party’s constitution.

He noted that stakeholders across different blocs agreed on the need for unity and structural reforms to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Mark disclosed that a NEC meeting held on July 29, 2025, and monitored by INEC, dissolved the National Working Committee.

The meeting, he said, also approved the establishment of a caretaker leadership to oversee the party’s activities during the transition period.

According to him, the caretaker committee was mandated to stabilise the party and prepare the ground for a credible and inclusive national convention.

Mark said the caretaker committee included himself as chairman and Mr Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, alongside other officials managing the party’s affairs.

He added that the resolutions reached at the NEC meeting were formally communicated to INEC in line with regulatory requirements.

According to him, INEC subsequently updated the party’s leadership records based on the resolutions and decisions reached during the NEC meeting.

Mark further disclosed that former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, had earlier resigned from his position within the party.

He said Bala’s resignation was duly documented and transmitted to INEC in full compliance with all applicable legal and administrative procedures.

He said the presence of prominent party leaders at the briefing underscored broad support within the party for the ongoing reforms and the demand for accountability in Nigeria’s electoral system. (NAN)