ADC, Opposition Kick as Independent National Electoral Commission Drops David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola Recognition

The decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognise David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has triggered widespread backlash across Nigeria’s political landscape.

The controversy, which comes amid rising tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, saw opposition groups accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken rivals—an allegation both the APC and the Presidency denied.

Security agencies were deployed around INEC’s Abuja headquarters to prevent clashes between protesters, as tensions escalated.

In response, the ADC leadership rejected INEC’s position and insisted it would go ahead with its congresses and convention, even without the commission’s supervision.

At a crowded briefing in Abuja, Mark criticised President Bola Tinubu.

“With 90% of the National Assembly and over 30 of Nigeria’s 36 Governors in the APC, President Tinubu, what are you afraid of? If you are convinced that you have done well… why are you afraid of a free, fair, and transparent electoral contest?”

He further warned of threats to democratic freedoms.

“Democracy is only sustained by the quality of freedom that it offers… Yet, in the past three years, we have witnessed a relentless assault on these very freedoms.”

Mark argued that INEC’s action had created confusion within the party.

“What INEC has done is to create a situation that leaves the ADC without leadership… There is only one conclusion… ‘The electoral umpire has taken sides. It can no longer be trusted’.”

He also accused the commission of acting unlawfully.

“As a matter of fact, INEC has acted in contempt of the Court of Appeal and has therefore acted unlawfully.”

Despite the dispute, he confirmed the party’s plans.

“We are proceeding with our party programmes… there is nothing under the law that makes INEC’s attendance a mandatory requirement.”

INEC maintained that its decision was based on compliance with court orders and ongoing litigation, warning that disobedience could amount to contempt.

The APC dismissed ADC’s claims, with spokesman Felix Morka describing the situation as self-inflicted.

The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, also criticised ADC’s interpretation of legal terms, advising the party to “read the dictionary.”

Meanwhile, stakeholders including Peter Obi, PDP, Afenifere, and Middle Belt Forum expressed concern over the implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

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