David Mark, a former Senate President and Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused Nigeria’s electoral body of undermining democracy and aiding what he described as a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, Mark said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had “taken sides” in a leadership dispute within the ADC, warning that its actions pose a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
Mark’s comments follow INEC’s April 1 decision to withdraw recognition of both the ADC leadership led by him and a rival faction associated with Nafiu Bala. He described the move as unlawful and in contempt of a subsisting Court of Appeal ruling.
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“There is only one conclusion Nigerians can draw: the electoral umpire has taken sides and can no longer be trusted,” Mark said.
He called for the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman and national commissioners, arguing they lack the credibility to conduct free and fair elections.
The ADC chairman alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government is working to suppress opposition voices and create conditions for a one-party state. According to him, recent developments signal a broader agenda to ensure President Bola Tinubu faces no credible challenge in 2027.
“In the past three years, we have witnessed a relentless assault on democratic freedoms, the freedom to choose, to participate, and to associate,” he said. “The goal is clear: to leave Nigerians with no real alternative in the next election.”
Mark linked the formation of an opposition coalition under the ADC to what he described as growing political repression. He said opposition leaders united to defend multiparty democracy and prevent what he termed an emerging dictatorship.
Providing background to the party’s leadership structure, Mark said the ADC’s current executives emerged from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, under INEC supervision. He noted that the commission had subsequently acknowledged and uploaded the leadership list, including his position as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.
He argued that Nafiu Bala, who is laying claim to the party leadership, had resigned months before initiating legal action, making his claims invalid.
Mark further accused INEC of misinterpreting the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” stating that the commission failed to seek judicial clarification and instead acted in a partisan manner.
“What INEC has done is to invent a status quo that never existed, effectively leaving the ADC without leadership,” he said.
The ADC chairman warned that the commission’s decision could disrupt the party’s participation in upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as its scheduled congresses and national convention in April.
Despite the controversy, Mark insisted the party would proceed with its planned activities, noting that INEC’s presence is not a legal requirement once due notice has been given.
He also appealed to the international community to take note of the situation and hold accountable those undermining Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
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Addressing President Tinubu directly, Mark questioned the administration’s commitment to democratic principles.
“With overwhelming control of the National Assembly and majority of state governors, what is the government afraid of?” he asked. “If it has performed well, it should welcome a free and fair contest.”
Mark concluded by urging Nigerians to resist any attempt to erode democratic institutions and freedoms, describing the moment as critical for the country’s future.
“This is not just about the ADC,” he said. “It is about the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”
