The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as the party’s embattled National Chairman, David Mark, called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, citing a complete loss of confidence in the commission.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, Mark accused INEC of partisanship and undermining Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly following its decision to withdraw recognition of certain leadership factions within the party.
“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all national commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them and are convinced they are incapable of conducting credible elections,” he said.
Mark further declared that the party would proceed with its internal programmes, including congresses and its national convention, regardless of INEC’s position. He argued that the law does not make the commission’s presence mandatory for such activities.
“We have duly notified INEC, and we will proceed accordingly,” he added.
The former Senate President also called on the international community to monitor the situation closely, warning of what he described as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability.
The development follows INEC’s recent move to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.
Despite the commission’s action, Mark maintained that the party’s current leadership remains legitimate, having emerged from the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025. He noted that the resolutions of that meeting were formally communicated to INEC, which subsequently uploaded the names of the National Working Committee members on September 9, 2025.
Providing further context, Mark stated that one of the officials in the dissolved National Working Committee, Nafiu Bala, had resigned as Deputy National Chairman on May 17, 2025, with the resignation formally transmitted to INEC in August. He criticised Bala’s later court action seeking recognition as chairman, describing it as inconsistent with established records.
Mark warned that INEC would be held responsible for any consequences arising from its decisions, urging Nigerians and global observers to take note of what he characterised as deliberate actions capable of eroding public trust in the electoral system.
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