By Our Reporter
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging a deliberate attempt to impose a one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre on Thursday, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using INEC to undermine opposition parties.
Mark specifically demanded the immediate sack of INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan Joash, over alleged bias and what he described as unlawful actions.
The development follows INEC’s decision to delist key figures of the party, including Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. The commission, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the action was in compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case before a trial court.
The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since 2025, after the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark in July of that year. The dispute arose from disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term ended in August 2022 but who was reportedly involved in the transition process.
The crisis has since deepened, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and instituting multiple court cases, raising concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the situation, Mark alleged that there has been a sustained attack on the freedom of association, warning that the developments point to a broader agenda to weaken opposition voices.
He further claimed that the ultimate goal was to create conditions that would make President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the only viable candidate in 2027, despite prevailing economic hardship and insecurity in the country.
“The agenda is clear—to leave Nigerians with no real choice in 2027,” he said, blaming the current administration for rising poverty and insecurity.
Further details later.
