ADC leaders demand Amupitan’s resignation, accuse INEC of pro-APC bias

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing the electoral body of partisanship and loss of neutrality.

The party also demanded the removal of all National Commissioners of the commission, insisting that the current leadership of INEC can no longer be trusted to conduct credible elections in Nigeria.

The call follows INEC’s recent decision to derecognise the ADC, a development the party described as politically motivated and capable of undermining democratic governance in the country.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, former Senate President, Senator David Mark, who addressed the media on behalf of the ADC leadership, said the party had lost confidence in the commission’s ability to remain impartial.

According to him, recent actions taken by INEC have raised serious concerns about its independence, particularly as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

“We demand the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them and believe they are incapable of conducting credible elections,” Mark said.

He accused the electoral body of aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such conduct threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Despite the dispute with the commission, Mark stated that the ADC would continue to carry out its internal political activities in line with the law.

“Let it be clear that we will proceed with our party programmes. There is nothing in the law that makes INEC’s presence mandatory for such activities. We have duly notified the commission and will continue our programmes accordingly,” he said.

The party also called on the international community to closely observe the situation, expressing concern that the actions of the electoral body could have wider implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

Mark urged global democratic institutions and partners to take note of developments surrounding INEC’s actions on April 1, saying the ADC had exercised restraint despite what it described as provocation.

“We urge the international community to recognise the clear danger these actions pose to Nigeria’s democracy and to hold accountable those undermining the integrity of the electoral process,” he added.

The former Senate President also appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively defend democratic values in the country.

“This is a defining moment for our democracy. Nigerians must stand firm, speak out and participate in defending the democratic process. We must resist any attempt to impose a one-party system on the country,” Mark said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must remain inclusive, transparent and reflective of the will of the people.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together we must protect our democracy,” he stated.