The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has reassured party members and Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm despite the party’s ongoing internal and external disputes, insisting that the situation remains under control.
Mark gave the assurance in a statement marking his 78th birthday, describing the challenges facing the party as part of its growth process. He emphasised that the ADC leadership remained united and committed to strengthening democratic values in Nigeria.
His remarks came as top ADC figures staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, where they questioned the legitimacy of the commission and called for the resignation or removal of its chairman, Joash Amupitan.
The protest featured prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Chibuike Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi, underscoring the scale of opposition dissatisfaction.
ADC Steps Up Pressure on INEC
During the demonstration, party leaders submitted a strongly worded letter demanding Amupitan’s immediate resignation, citing allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and bias in handling party affairs. The ADC argued that INEC’s actions had undermined its neutrality and threatened the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The party also accused the commission of overstepping its constitutional boundaries by attempting to interpret court rulings, insisting that such authority rests solely with the judiciary. It warned that continued interference in party matters could erode Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Obi Warns of Further Action
Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, said the party was prepared to escalate the matter through legal channels and civic action if its demands were ignored. He also urged Nigerians to join the ADC in resisting any move toward a one-party system and to defend democratic principles.
Defections and Wider Concerns
In Sokoto, lawmaker Abdussamad Dasuki joined the ADC, accusing INEC under Amupitan of undermining opposition parties and posing a threat to democratic pluralism. He warned that such actions, if unchecked, could reverse Nigeria’s democratic progress.
APC Fires Back
Reacting to the protest, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed the opposition’s claims, arguing that parties struggling with internal crises could not be trusted to govern Nigeria.
Yilwatda maintained that the ruling party was not afraid of competition but insisted that effective leadership required discipline, organisation, and internal stability—qualities he claimed were lacking among opposition groups.
He added that the APC remained committed to democratic principles and preferred to win elections through public support rather than legal or procedural tactics.
Overall, the situation highlights rising political tension between opposition parties and electoral authorities, with the ADC signaling a readiness to pursue both legal and public confrontation in defence of what it describes as Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
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