The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a deliberate plan to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is being used as a tool to weaken opposition parties and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
ADC National Chairman David Mark made the claims on Thursday during a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. He demanded the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan Joash, citing bias and unlawful actions.
The controversy stems from INEC’s announcement on Wednesday that it had delisted key ADC leaders, including Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. INEC explained that its decision was based on a Court of Appeal order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending resolution of a leadership dispute at the Federal High Court.
The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership tussle since 2025. The dispute began after disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term ended in August 2022. Nwosu was reportedly involved in facilitating the 2025 leadership transition, sparking opposition from factions within the party.
In July 2025, a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting dissolved the existing National Working Committee and ratified a caretaker committee led by Mark as Chairman and Aregbesola as Secretary. INEC officials monitored the meeting, and the commission later uploaded the names of the new leadership to its portal in September 2025.
One of the former deputy chairmen, Nafiu Bala Gombe, had resigned in May 2025 but later approached the courts in September seeking recognition as ADC Chairman. This triggered a series of legal battles, with the Court of Appeal eventually ordering all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
Mark argued that INEC’s interpretation of the court order was flawed and partisan. He said the commission had invented a version of the status quo that left the ADC without leadership, a situation he described as unlawful.
“INEC cannot determine who leads a political party. That decision was taken on July 29, 2025, not on September 9 when INEC uploaded names. By its press release, INEC has created a status quo that never existed,” Mark stated.
He accused INEC of acting in contempt of the Court of Appeal and undermining democracy. According to him, the commission’s actions are part of a broader agenda to ensure President Bola Tinubu emerges as the only viable option in 2027.
“The agenda is clear: to make Tinubu the sole choice despite worsening poverty and insecurity. Nigerians will not want this to continue, so they are trying to cling to power by any means,” he said.
Mark insisted that the ADC leadership was validly constituted and would continue its activities, including congresses scheduled for April 2026. He warned that INEC would be held responsible for any fallout from its decisions.
The ADC demanded the resignation or sack of INEC Chairman Joash and all national commissioners, declaring that they no longer had confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct credible elections.
Mark also challenged President Tinubu directly, questioning why the APC was afraid of free and fair competition despite controlling 90 percent of the National Assembly and over 30 governors.
“If you believe you have done well, why fear a transparent contest? Why destroy opposition parties?” he asked.
The ADC warned that INEC’s actions could undermine its participation in upcoming elections in Osun and Ekiti States later this year. The party also expressed concern that its congresses and convention scheduled for April could be disrupted.
Mark emphasized that freedom of association is a fundamental democratic principle and accused the government of eroding civic freedoms. He described INEC’s conduct as a direct attack on Nigerians’ right to choose and participate in governance.
Nigeria’s political landscape has long been dominated by the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with smaller parties struggling to gain ground. The ADC’s accusations reflect growing fears among opposition groups that institutional bias could tilt the playing field ahead of 2027.
The leadership crisis within the ADC has further complicated its position, raising doubts about its readiness for the elections. However, the party insists that its internal processes were legitimate and that INEC’s intervention is politically motivated.
The ADC’s confrontation with INEC highlights the tension between electoral institutions and opposition parties in Nigeria. By demanding the sack of the INEC Chairman and accusing the APC of plotting a one-party state, the ADC has escalated the debate over democratic governance and accountability.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the dispute underscores the importance of transparency in electoral administration and the need for confidence in institutions tasked with safeguarding democracy. Whether INEC’s actions were lawful or partisan remains a matter for judicial interpretation, but the ADC’s warning signals a turbulent road ahead for Nigeria’s political system.
