The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called for the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan following the derecognition of his leadership of the opposition party.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, Mark described the action as “an attack on democracy that will not stand.”
On behalf of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and lovers of democracy, Mark welcomed attendees to the press conference and outlined his concerns:
“Since 1999, Nigeria has been under democratic rule. After 27 years, we thought we could proudly celebrate the entrenchment of democracy, believing that the country’s dictatorial past has receded into history.
Our experience in the past three years or so since President Bola Tinubu came to power has however confirmed otherwise. Democracy is only sustained by the quality of freedom that it offers and guarantees, especially the freedom to choose, the freedom to participate, and the freedom to associate. These freedoms are so critical to democracy that without them, democracy dies.”
Mark accused the government of deliberately undermining opposition parties to ensure that in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option for Nigerians, despite worsening poverty and insecurity across the country.
“The twin challenge of deepening poverty, and worsening security situation in the country did not just happen. They are direct consequences of the failure of this government. They know that Nigerians will not want this to continue. They know Nigerians will vote them out. This is why they would do anything to hang on to power by hook or crook.”
Mark then explained the formation of the opposition coalition under ADC, which he said was a response to “a relentless assault on opposition political parties.” He stressed that the coalition sought to protect multi-party democracy and prevent an emerging dictatorship.
“We did not come to the ADC by chance. We did our due diligence. We fulfilled all the party’s constitutional requirements, as well as all wider requirements under the laws that guide the management and operation of political parties.
In furtherance of this process, a NEC meeting was convened on July 29th, 2025, monitored by INEC officials. One of the conclusions of that NEC meeting was the dissolution of the National Working Committee of the party, and the ratification of a caretaker committee to take over the affairs of the party, with my humble self, David Mark, as the National Chairman; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary; as well as others who have since been serving as officers of the party.”
Mark concluded by reiterating that the struggle of the ADC was to defend democratic freedoms in Nigeria and resist attempts to consolidate power through undemocratic means.
