The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under intense scrutiny following its decision on Wednesday to derecognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Opposition figures and senior ADC leaders accused the electoral body of acting under the influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government and called for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN).
However, INEC swiftly rejected the calls, asserting the independence and constitutionally protected status of its leadership. In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola, the commission stressed that the appointment, tenure, and removal of its chairman and commissioners are governed strictly by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution.
The decision to delist key ADC figures, including National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, followed a Court of Appeal judgment directing INEC to maintain the status quo amid ongoing litigation over the party’s leadership. The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since July 2025 after Mark assumed leadership of the new National Working Committee, triggering internal opposition from factions loyal to former chairman Ralph Nwosu.
David Mark condemned INEC’s move, describing it as an attack on Nigeria’s democracy and citizens’ rights, warning that the commission would be held responsible for any repercussions. Mark maintained that the ADC would continue party activities and questioned INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also urged INEC to exercise caution in handling intra-party disputes and warned that the timing of a planned Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise could overstretch political parties and disenfranchise voters.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), echoed concerns of potential bias, warning that such actions could weaken Nigeria’s democratic process. Former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu criticised the 2025 leadership change, alleging self-interest and commercialisation of party structures by the Mark-led faction.
The APC dismissed all allegations of interference, asserting that the ADC’s internal challenges were self-inflicted and legally addressed. The party described the ADC as a vehicle for baseless accusations against the ruling party.
Meanwhile, security was heightened at INEC headquarters in Abuja, with personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and State Security Service deployed to prevent clashes amid protests by ADC members and allied groups. Protests, including a social media-driven #OccupyINEC campaign, were largely peaceful, with authorities managing crowd control.
