ADC promises that INEC will not prevent us from running on our party platform.
… Congress is suspended until Anambra Chapter
… Leaders of the PDP and ADC meet in private in Abuja
On Wednesday in Abuja, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) peacefully protested the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) denial of Sen. David Mark’s leadership.
The demonstration started from Maitama Roundabout to INEC, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
the FCT headquarters.
According to NAN, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye are among those participating in the demonstration, which is being led by Mark, the party’s national chairman.
Speaking during the demonstration, Mark asserted that the judiciary, not the INEC chairman, was solely responsible for interpreting court rulings.
He claimed that trying to take over the work of the court amounted to a grave violation of the constitution and an insult to the separation of powers theory.
The impression that the commission has abandoned impartiality and instead sided with factional interests is strengthened by INEC’s previous correspondence to ADC.
“This is not only inappropriate, but it poses a threat to our electoral system’s credibility,” he declared.
According to Mark, the person in question was present at the ADC NEC meeting when Chief Ralph Nwosu’s NWC—of which Nafiu Bala was a member—was dissolved.
“Any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position, or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory, and devoid of legal credibility, given that he participated in that decision,” he stated.
ADC demanded in a protest letter to INEC that was signed by Mark and Rauf Aregbesola during the demonstration.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan resigned immediately.
In addition, the party called for INEC to immediately retract its “offensive correspondence” to ADC and to issue a formal apologies.
The demonstrators demanded that INEC make a firm pledge to stop meddling in political parties’ internal matters.
If INEC did not comply with its demands, ADC threatened to use all legal and constitutional means of ensuring accountability, including judicial processes and coordinated civic action.
According to NAN, a party group led by Nafiu Bala has filed a lawsuit against the Mark faction in an attempt to seize control of the party.
Additionally, according to NAN, INEC suspended the two groups’ recognition in response to a Court of Appeal decision and the continuing legal dispute over the party’s leadership before a Federal High Court.
Journalists in Abuja were given access to the party’s open letter to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, which was signed by ADC National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and former Senate President and chairman Senator David Mark.
It reads:
ADC, or the African Democratic Congress
ADC Transformation Centre & Global Campus
Plot 121, Adetokunbo Crescent, Ademola
Nigeria’s Wuse II, Abuja
Email: info@adcparty.org.ng; website: www.adcparty.org.ng
09090690000 and 08105507372
8 April 2026
Joseph Amupitan, SAN, Professor
Director of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC),
National Headquarters of INEC,
Zambezi Crescent, Plot 436,
Abuja, Maitama.
To Sir,
PARTISAN CONDUCT, GROSS MISCONDUCT, CONSTITUTIONAL BREACH, AND THREAT TO MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY REQUIRE YOUR IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
We are writing to express our deepest disapproval of your recent behavior and public remarks, which have increased doubts regarding your suitability to serve as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In addition to being shameful and unworthy of the high position you hold, your recent media appearance revealed a concerning propensity to engage in partisan dispute and take on responsibilities that are well beyond the Commission’s constitutional authority.
Your attempt to establish yourself as an interpreter of court rulings is really concerning. This is not acceptable at all. The judiciary alone has the authority to interpret court decisions. It would be a grave constitutional violation and an insult to the separation of powers philosophy for the Chairman of INEC to openly take on that role while providing biased interpretations of court decisions that seem to favor a specific person.
The impression that the Commission under your direction has abandoned neutrality and instead sided with factional interests is strengthened by your actions as well as INEC’s previous letter to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This is not only wrong, but also poses a threat to the legitimacy of our electoral system.
Additionally, it is documented that the person in question was present at the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the National Working Committee (NWC), which he was a member of and led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, was properly dissolved. Any later reliance on his prior authority, position, or signature is essentially faulty, inconsistent, and lacking in legal credibility because he was involved in that judgment.
Serious concerns regarding institutional overreach and bias are raised by INEC’s stance in this area.
INEC is not a legal court. It is not a supporter. It is not required to interpret rulings in a way that supports a favored story. It has a clear obligation to operate impartially, professionally, and completely within the confines of the law and the Constitution.
Beyond these transgressions, we categorically denounce what can only be characterized as a risky and intolerable attempt to subvert and destroy Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system. The core of democratic pluralism is undermined by any action, policy, or behavior that distorts the electoral process, elevates a disgruntled party member to the position of factional leader, or interferes with political parties’ internal autonomy. You have completed all of these.
Without reservation, we declare that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will legally, resolutely, and forcibly oppose any such endeavor. Political plurality was the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, and no person or organization will be permitted to undermine it through partisan behavior and excessive administrative power.
We recognize that a large number of morally upright men and women who have worked for our nation and the integrity of its election process throughout the years make up the INEC. However, your actions today have effectively damaged the Commission’s reputation and seriously undermined public trust, giving the impression that you are willing to waste their sacrifices.
To dispel any questions, we describe below the fundamental procedure that gave rise to the David Mark-led executive, which amply demonstrated that you are capable of knowing the truth but have chosen to misrepresent or disregard it.
The Party, ADC, resolved to waive the stipulations of Articles 9.3(1)(2)(3) & 9.4(1) at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on March 27, 2025, at the National Headquarters and Transformation Center, 4, Oyo St., Area 2, Abuja. The Chairman of the Party had previously mentioned these Articles of the Party’s Constitution as obstacles to the Party’s goal of creating an inclusive Party that will unite other stakeholders in a wide-ranging patriotic coalition in his opening remarks. In order to do this, Peter Oyewole Esq., the Party’s National Legal Advisor, moved to use Article 9.4(4). The meeting approved this proposition. Members of NEC, NWC, and INEC officials attended this meeting. Additionally, the Party sent the meeting report to INEC in a letter dated April 3, 2025, and the Chairman of INEC acknowledged receipt of the report at his office.
Another National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting took place at the Chelsea Hotel in Abuja’s CBD on April 4, 2025. Among other things, this meeting resolved to:
One. The Party’s constitution’s Article 23(4), which would prohibit the merit-based filling of open positions, should be suspended.
(b). Give the National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, and the National Working Committee (NWC) the authority to take all necessary steps, make the necessary decisions, and involve pertinent parties in order to successfully form, coordinate, and carry out the coalition in accordance with the Party’s goals and vision.
The c. The resolutions were approved by the meeting with a unanimous vote.
Members of NEC, NWC, and INEC officials attended this meeting. In a letter dated May 21, 2025, the INEC Chairman received the meeting’s report. On May 30, 2025, the INEC Chairman’s office acknowledged receipt of it.
At its meeting on July 2, 2025, the National Working Committee (NWC) adopted the following resolutions in accordance with the May 15, 2025, NEC order previously mentioned:
One. creation of a Caretaker Committee to oversee Party operations in light of internal reorganization and the coalition process.
(b). Senator David Mark is the caretaker national chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is the caretaker national secretary, Abdullahi is the caretaker national publicity secretary, and there are additional members of the Caretaker Committee/Interim NWC.
The c. For at least a year, the Caretaker Committee will oversee the Party’s operations.
The Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened at the Chelsea Hotel in Abuja’s central business district on July 29, 2025, and among other things, decided to:
One. approval of NWC decisions and establishment of a Caretaker Committee to oversee Party operations in the context of internal reorganization and the coalition process.
(b). approval of the nomination and makeup of the Caretaker Committee, which consists of all the officers mentioned above.
The c. The National Secretary, Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi, and National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, were tasked with promptly informing INEC of the Party’s leadership changes.
(d). Members were sworn into their different positions and the required oaths of office were administered after the Party’s NEC unanimously approved the resolutions and ratified the Caretaker Committee members. Without a single protest, this was carried out in front of NEC members and INEC representatives. All of the recently appointed Caretaker Committee members and NEC members pledged their allegiance to the African Democratic Congress and its Constitution. There was not a single voice that disagreed or objected.
and e. As instructed by the NEC, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi submitted the meeting report to INEC.
A f. INEC welcomed the new leadership and added the major officers to its electronic site based on this transparent and open process.
As a result of the aforementioned, no member of the Party’s former NWC has the right or claim to hold any office going forward.
You should also be aware that all of the above is categorically confirmed in INEC’s own affidavit, which was testified at the Federal High Court on September 12. We must also let you know that we are aware of the efforts INEC is making in accordance with your order and the pressure being applied to honest INEC staff to retract their testimony, which runs counter to the agenda you have chosen to promote. Indeed, this is unacceptable.
Given all mentioned above, we hereby demand:
Your prompt departure from your position in order to protect INEC’s reputation; OR
For egregious misconduct, misuse of office, and transgression of constitutional boundaries, you will be immediately removed by the relevant constitutional authorities.
We also restate our request for:
the prompt cessation of INEC’s hostile correspondence with the ADC;
a sincere apology to the individual; and
a firm promise to stop meddling in political parties’ internal matters going forward.
Be aware that if we don’t comply, we will be forced to use all legal and constitutional means of ensuring accountability, such as court cases and coordinated public action.
Institutional compromise cannot and will not be the price paid for the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Faithfully, yours
David Mark, Senator
Head of the Nation,
Congress for African Democracy (ADC)
Rauf Ogbeni Aregbesola
Secretary National,
Congress for African Democracy (ADC)
Anambra congresses are suspended by ADC
All state congresses have been put on hold till further notice by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Anambra Chapter.
This was revealed in a statement released in Awka and made accessible to reporters on Wednesday by the party’s chairman and secretary, Mr. Patrick Obianyo and Mr. Lawrence Okeke.
The decision, according to the party, was made to demonstrate its dedication to due process, the rule of law, and respect for judicial authority.
All of its members and interested parties were instructed to “remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful throughout this period.”
The statement said that following the conclusion of the ongoing national consultations and meetings, new dates for the congresses and conventions would be announced.
It declared that the Obianyo-led committee was still legitimate and advised the public and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ignore any orders, statements, or acts coming from other people.
“As we navigate this period, we urge all ADC members and supporters to continue upholding peace, unity, and discipline,” the party continued.
Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to stop recognizing the party’s leadership due to a court ruling, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pledged to run in the 2027 general election on its own platform.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday and voiced optimism that the opposition party will overcome all obstacles.
“I can assure you that we will run on the ADC platform in the 2027 election,” Abdullahi stated.
“We still have faith in the judiciary notwithstanding what has occurred in Nigeria. We think our argument is unquestionable. We are certain that justice will be served if we are given the expedited hearing today and the court convenes. That is something we are certain of. We are prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best.
“If the same INEC that swore in an affidavit that it was aware of the leadership change in the ADC is now turning around to say what they are saying, they are not going to stop us,” the spokesperson continued, maintaining that the party has nothing to fear because it has given INEC the recommended 21-day notice for its congresses.
He emphasized that the party will not simply give up, cautioning that doing so would make them complicit in the decline of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Concerns of One-Party States
Abdullahi vowed that the ADC would oppose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“Nigeria will not become a one-party state in our generation, according to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “We’ll take all legal measures to oppose it,” he declared.
He claims that the ruling party is in a panic due to internal polls and that President Tinubu is aware of his unpopularity.
“Nigerians no longer want the APC, even though it has nearly all of the governors and legislators,” he stated.
Abdullahi further said that because the ruling party wants Tinubu to be the only credible presidential candidate in 2027, it is working to undermine alternative political groups.
“The agenda is the same. They want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the only competitive candidate when we get there in 2027. The agenda is this.
“It is the reason they destroyed the NNPP; it is the reason they destabilize the Labour Party; it is the reason they decapitated the PDP and made it an appendage of the ruling party now,” he declared.
Absence of Boycott
When asked if the ADC would support calls from some opposition parties to abstain from the 2027 election, Abdullahi replied that the party would never do so.
“We won’t engage in a boycott. Boycotting is surrender, as I have stated. You create headlines and boycott, but then what?”I said.”
He went on to say that the ADC will not let millions of Nigerians who have suffered over the past three years down by refusing to participate in a process that could make their lives better.
Legal Background
Gombe filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja in September 2025, contesting the legitimacy of the NWC headed by David Mark and Aregbesola.
He asserted that Nwosu’s resignation letter was faked and that he ought to have taken over as leader following Nwosu’s resignation.
Citing a court order to preserve the status quo, INEC deleted Mark and Aregbesola’s identities as the ADC’s chairman and secretary from its portal last week.
Abdullahi maintains that the ADC led by David Mark came to power through a “clear” and “legal” process.
The ADC is preparing to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election after being accepted as a coalition party in July 2025.
Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso are among the well-known politicians that support the party.
Despite what it called the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) “phantom de-recognition” of the party’s leadership, the Nigerian Voters Organization (NVO) has urged the African Democratic Congress to move forward with its scheduled congresses and national convention.
in a statement that Barr signed. The group urged ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola to “not be deceived” by the electoral body’s decision, which it claimed was intended to interfere with the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, according to Jezie Ekejiuba, President of NVO.
The organization insisted that INEC lacked the jurisdiction to interpret court decisions in a way that would render a party’s leadership structure ineffectual, stating that “from all legal angles the de-recognition…” cannot stand the test of legal scrutiny as it is void ab initio.
NVO further claimed that the action was “a banana peel laid by APC… to scuttle the planned congresses of the ADC,” and that it was meant to stop the party from running for office in 2027.
It questioned how INEC could “assume the role of a court of law” in interpreting a status quo decision to indicate a leadership vacuum, given that INEC is a party in an ongoing appeal involving ADC leadership.
The statement declared, “It is absurd for INEC, a co-party in a Civil Court of Appeal process, to take on the role of a court of law and punish a co-party.”
The organization praised the ADC leadership for moving forward with its plan, pointing out that doing so will allow the party to comply with the Electoral Act of 2026.
It further stated that the INEC ruling was “legally void as it is unknown to law and politically manipulated and sponsored.”
Additionally, NVO gave INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan a seven-day deadline to overturn the ruling and step down, threatening to take legal action if he didn’t.
The group declared that it will collaborate with other interested parties to thwart what it called attempts to create a one-party state in Nigeria.
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