ADC attacks INEC, demands sack of chairman over leadership crisis

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate removal of Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of bias and unlawful interference in its internal leadership dispute.

Speaking at a press briefing, former Senate President and ADC national chairman David Mark said the electoral body can no longer be trusted, alleging that it deliberately misinterpreted a court ruling to undermine the party.

Dispute rooted in court ruling and factional crisis

The controversy stems from a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case at the Federal High Court.

Mark argued that INEC’s subsequent decision to withdraw recognition from both his faction and that of a rival group linked to Rafiu Bala contradicts the court’s directive.

He described the move as creating a “false equivalence,” insisting that the rival faction lacks legitimacy and that the party was never without a properly constituted leadership.

Allegations of political interference

The ADC further alleged that the actions of INEC were influenced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming there is a broader effort to weaken opposition parties.

Mark warned that the situation represents a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that the electoral body has overstepped its constitutional role.

“The commission cannot decide who leads a political party,” he said, adding that INEC’s actions amount to contempt of court and an abuse of authority.

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According to the party, INEC’s decision has effectively left the ADC without recognised leadership, further deepening the crisis.

Mark criticised the commission for failing to seek judicial clarification if it was uncertain about the interpretation of the court order, accusing it instead of taking sides.

With tensions rising, the dispute is expected to continue in court, as both factions and the electoral body await a final legal resolution.