The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has accused Nigeria’s electoral body of undermining democracy and acting in favour of the ruling government, following a controversial decision affecting the party’s leadership structure.
Speaking at a world press conference on Thursday, Mark described the development as “a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy” and warned that it could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political future.
Addressing journalists, the former Senate President expressed concern that Nigeria’s democratic gains since 1999 were being eroded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that democracy thrives on freedoms such as the right to choose, participate, and associate, alleging that these freedoms have been systematically weakened in recent years. According to him, the ruling government is pursuing an agenda aimed at eliminating opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mark said the emergence of a coalition of opposition forces under the ADC was a deliberate move to defend multi-party democracy and resist what he described as an “emerging dictatorship.” He explained that the coalition followed due process, including a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which dissolved the previous National Working Committee and installed a caretaker leadership.
The process, he noted, was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the new leadership was subsequently communicated and recognised by the commission.
Providing background to the ongoing leadership dispute, Mark stated that a former party official, Nafiu Bala, had resigned from his position months before initiating legal action to claim the party’s chairmanship. Despite this, he said Bala later approached the courts seeking recognition. Mark emphasized that INEC was fully aware of the sequence of events, including the resignation and the lawful inauguration of the new leadership.
He further disclosed that while the matter was pending in court, the Court of Appeal directed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum.” However, Mark accused INEC of misinterpreting the ruling by withdrawing recognition from both his leadership and Bala’s faction in a statement issued on April 1, 2026. He described the move as unlawful and accused the electoral body of creating “a false equivalence” between legitimate and illegitimate claims.
“The electoral umpire has taken sides,” Mark declared, insisting that INEC’s action amounted to contempt of court and a dangerous precedent. He argued that the commission lacks the constitutional authority to determine party leadership, maintaining that the ADC has always had a duly constituted leadership since the July 2025 NEC meeting.
The ADC chairman warned that the decision could disrupt the party’s participation in upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled internal activities, including congresses beginning April 9 and a national convention slated for April 14. Despite the situation, he affirmed that the party would proceed with its programmes, noting that INEC’s presence is not a legal requirement once due notice has been given.
In a strongly worded demand, Mark called for the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman and all national commissioners, citing a loss of confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections. He also appealed to the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and hold accountable those undermining the electoral process.
Mark urged Nigerians both at home and abroad to remain vigilant and defend democratic values, describing the moment as critical to the survival of the country’s multi-party system. He cautioned against what he termed attempts to impose a one-party state, stressing that the ADC remains committed to safeguarding democratic freedoms.
Concluding his address, Mark struck a defiant tone, expressing confidence that democracy would ultimately prevail. “Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered,” he said, adding that the ADC would continue to rise despite the challenges.
