David Mark accuses INEC of undermining democracy by withdrawing recognition of ADC leadership...

Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, following its decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.

Addressing a world press conference titled “This Attack on Democracy Will Not Stand,” Mark alleged that recent actions by INEC were part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

CBI News reports that he said, “In the past three years, we have witnessed a relentless assault on these very freedoms. The agenda is very clear, to create a situation where, in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people.”

Mark explained that the opposition coalition adopted the ADC platform after what he described as growing pressure on opposition parties, adding that due process was followed in constituting the party’s leadership.

He recalled that a National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025 monitored by INEC ratified a caretaker committee with himself as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

According to him, INEC later acknowledged this arrangement by uploading the names of the party’s officials on its portal in September 2025.

He, however, dismissed claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe to the party’s leadership, noting that the individual had resigned prior to the leadership changes and only approached the court months later.

Reacting to INEC’s recent decision, Mark said the commission acted outside the law by withdrawing recognition from both factions, describing it as an “invention” that leaves the party without leadership.

“With its press release, INEC has invented a status quo that never existed… This certainly cannot be the status quo that the Court of Appeal directed should be preserved,” he said.

He further accused the electoral body of bias, stating, “There is only one conclusion Nigerians can draw… the electoral umpire has taken sides. It can no longer be trusted.”

Mark warned that the development could affect the party’s participation in upcoming elections, including those in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled congresses and convention.

He insisted that the ADC would proceed with its planned activities, stressing that INEC’s presence is not a legal requirement.

“Our demand is clear: we demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman and all National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them,” he declared.

Mark also called on the international community to take note of the situation, urging Nigerians to defend democratic values and resist any attempt to impose a one-party system.

“This is not just about the ADC. It is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.