The (ADC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the (INEC), accusing the electoral body of bias and attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ADC National Chairman alleged that INEC’s recent actions regarding the party’s leadership crisis were aimed at destabilising the opposition and paving the way for a one-party state.
The controversy follows INEC’s decision to delist key ADC officials, including Mark and the party’s National Secretary , citing a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing legal dispute. INEC maintained that its action was in compliance with the court’s ruling.
However, Mark rejected the commission’s interpretation, insisting that the move was a deliberate attempt to interfere in the party’s internal affairs and weaken its structure.
He further accused the ruling government of seeking to eliminate political competition ahead of the 2027 elections, alleging that the strategy was to ensure that President emerges unchallenged despite prevailing economic hardship and insecurity.
Providing background to the dispute, Mark explained that the current ADC leadership emerged from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which, according to him, was monitored by INEC. He added that the resolutions of the meeting, including the dissolution of the previous National Working Committee and the appointment of a caretaker leadership, were duly communicated to the commission and reflected on its portal in September 2025.
He also referenced a legal challenge involving , stating that the claimant had earlier resigned before approaching the court to seek recognition as the party’s chairman.
On the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” Mark argued that INEC had misinterpreted the ruling, insisting that there was no legal basis for the commission’s current position.
He accused INEC of acting in bad faith and declared that the commission could no longer be trusted to conduct credible elections. Consequently, the ADC demanded the resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman and all national commissioners.
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 national convention in April 2026.
Despite the dispute, he affirmed that the party would proceed with its planned activities, noting that there is no legal requirement mandating INEC’s presence in internal party processes.
The ADC has been facing a prolonged leadership crisis since 2025, with rival factions laying claim to its structure, a situation now intensified by ongoing legal battles and regulatory interventions.
