The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday received a petition from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The petition, submitted by the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, was handed over to INEC National Commissioner, Professor Abdullahi Zuru. The contents of the petition have not been made public.
The ADC has repeatedly called for the removal of INEC Chairperson, Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing him of deliberately misinterpreting a Court of Appeal order that suspended the party’s recognition.
The protest coincided with a peaceful march by key opposition figures, including former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP), and Peter Obi (Labour Party), from Maitama Junction to INEC’s headquarters in Abuja. Also present were the party’s factional National Chairman, David Mark; Senator Aminu Tambuwal; Rotimi Amaechi; and former senator Dino Melaye.
Protesters carried banners reading: “Tinubu, let our Democracy breathe,” “Falle daya ce, one term president,” and “I stand with ADC, I stand with Democracy.” The party accused INEC of siding with the ruling APC to block its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Background: INEC suspended ADC’s recognition last week following a Court of Appeal ruling directing all parties, including INEC, to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the party’s leadership dispute at the Federal High Court. Bala had contested David Mark’s emergence as ADC national chairman after Ralph Nwosu resigned, insisting that he should assume leadership according to the party’s constitution.
While Mark’s faction filed an interlocutory appeal, it was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which reinforced the need to maintain the status quo. INEC has since halted dealings with all factions until the Federal High Court rules on the substantive case.
The Mark-led faction has rejected INEC’s actions, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the court order and demanding the resignation of Professor Amupitan and other commissioners. Meanwhile, another faction led by Dumebi Kachikwu has emerged, with some state chairmen and senior members supporting INEC’s decision to suspend both Mark and Bala’s factions.
