BREAKING: ADC Demands Resignation Of INEC Chairman, Commissioners

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, alongside all National Commissioners, over alleged partisanship.

The party said the current leadership of the electoral body has compromised its neutrality and can no longer be trusted to conduct credible elections.

ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, made the demand on Thursday during a world press conference in Abuja, warning that the officials should be removed if they fail to step down voluntarily.

“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.

The party’s position follows INEC’s decision to delist the Mark-led leadership of the ADC, citing a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties involved in the leadership dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the case.

The dispute stems from a suit filed at a Federal High Court in Abuja by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking recognition as the substantive national chairman.

Mark had challenged the matter at the appellate court, which subsequently ordered all parties to maintain the status quo—an order INEC relied upon in taking its controversial action.

However, Mark faulted INEC’s interpretation of the ruling, accusing the commission of overstepping its powers and taking sides with the ruling APC.

He argued that the commission ought to have sought judicial clarification from the Court of Appeal rather than acting unilaterally.

“What one would have expected was for INEC to approach the Court of Appeal to request a judicial interpretation of what truly represents the status quo under the circumstances. But it did not do this,” he said.

“While posturing to be neutral, its actions confirm that it has become irredeemably partisan, working towards a preconceived agenda.”

The ADC chairman further alleged that INEC’s actions have effectively left the party without leadership, describing the situation as unlawful and inconsistent with the court’s directive.

He said, “INEC does not have the power to determine for any political party who its leaders should be. What it has done is to create a situation that, by its own logic, leaves the ADC without leadership. This cannot be the status quo envisaged by the Court of Appeal.”

Mark also accused the electoral body of acting in contempt of court and undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.

Despite the dispute, the party insisted it would proceed with its planned activities, including its national convention scheduled for April 14.

“Let us make it clear: we are proceeding with our party programmes. There is nothing in the law that makes INEC’s attendance mandatory. We have duly notified the commission and will proceed accordingly,” he said.

The ADC called on the international community to take note of developments, warning that INEC’s actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability.

It urged global institutions to hold accountable those it accused of undermining the integrity of the country’s electoral process.

The party also appealed to Nigerians to defend democratic values and resist any attempt to impose a one-party state.

“This is a defining moment. Nigerians must stand firm, speak out, and resist any attempt to undermine democracy. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we must protect it,” the party stated.

The media conference was attended by notable chieftains of the ADC, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and other members of the NWC

Others at the event were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Also in attendance were prominent chieftains like Rotimi Amaechi, Kashim Iman, Ralph Nwosu, Buba Galadima, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, Eyinnaya Abaribe and Tunde Ogheha among others.