David Mark-led coalition accuses electoral body of bias after INEC derecognises party leadership, sparking outrage

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged bias and actions it claims are aimed at entrenching a one-party state in Nigeria.

The demand was made on Thursday by ADC National Chairman, David Mark, who spoke on behalf of a coalition of political stakeholders during a press briefing at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

Mark accused the INEC leadership of engaging in unlawful and partisan conduct, warning that recent decisions by the electoral body threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

The controversy follows INEC’s decision on Wednesday to derecognise David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively—a move that has generated widespread reactions across the political landscape.

Describing the action as shocking and unacceptable, Mark alleged that the commission was deliberately interfering in the internal affairs of political parties to weaken opposition voices.

“This is a clear attempt to suppress opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state,” he said, insisting that the coalition would resist any moves capable of undermining democratic pluralism.

He further called on President Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities to intervene and safeguard the independence and credibility of INEC, stressing that the electoral umpire must remain neutral in all political matters.

The ADC maintained that the derecognition of its leadership lacked due process and violated established democratic norms, adding that it would explore all legal and constitutional avenues to challenge the decision.

INEC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

The development could heighten tensions within the opposition space and raise fresh concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future elections.