ADC promises INEC won’t prevent us from running on our party platform.
” Congress is suspended by the Anambra chapter.
” In Abuja, PDP and ADC leaders meet behind closed doors.
In response to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) denial of Sen. David Mark’s leadership, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) peacefully protested in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the demonstration started at Maitama Roundabout and ended at INEC.
head office in the FCT.
According to NAN, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye are all participating in the demonstration, which is being headed by Mark, the party’s national chairman.
Speaking at the demonstration, Mark asserted that the INEC chairman had no authority to interpret court rulings; only the judiciary had this authority.
He claimed that trying to take over the work of the judiciary was an insult to the separation of powers idea and a major constitutional violation.
The idea that the commission has abandoned impartiality and instead sided with factional interests is strengthened by INEC’s previous correspondence to ADC.
“This is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system, in addition to being improper,” he declared.
According to Mark, it was documented that the person in question attended the ADC NEC meeting, which resulted in the dissolution of the NWC, which was headed by Chief Ralph Nwosu and included Nafiu Bala.
“Any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position, or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory, and devoid of legal credibility because he participated in that decision,” he declared.
During the demonstration, ADC sent a letter to INEC that was signed by Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, demanding
Prof. Joash Amupitan, the chairman of INEC, resigned immediately.
Along with a written apology, the party demanded that INEC immediately withdraw its “offensive correspondence” to ADC.
The demonstrators demanded that INEC make a firm promise to stop meddling in political parties’ internal matters.
If INEC did not comply with its demands, ADC threatened to use all legal and constitutional means of ensuring accountability, including coordinated civic action and judicial actions.
According to NAN, a party group headed by Nafiu Bala had filed a lawsuit against the Mark faction over leadership of the party.
Additionally, according to NAN, INEC suspended the two groups’ recognition in response to a Court of Appeal decision and the continuing dispute over the party’s leadership at a Federal High Court.
Journalists in Abuja were given access to the party’s open letter to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, which was signed by ADC National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and former Senate President and ADC chairman Senator David Mark.
The text says:
Congress of Africa (ADC)
Global Campus & Transformation Center of ADC
Plot 121, Crescent of Ademola Adetokunbo
Abuja, Nigeria’s Wuse II
www.adcparty.org.ng | info@adcparty.org.ng via email
08105507372 and 09090690000.
August 8, 2026
SAN’s Professor Joseph Amupitan
Head of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC)
Headquarters of INEC National,
Plot 436, Crescent Zambezi,
Maitama in Abuja.
Kindly, Sir
RE: REQUEST YOUR IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE DUE TO GROSS MISCONDUCT, PARTISAN CONDUCT, CONSTITUTIONAL BREACH, AND THREAT TO MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY
We are writing to express our deepest disapproval of your recent behavior and public remarks, which have heightened doubts regarding your suitability to serve as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In addition to being shameful and inappropriate for the lofty position you hold, your recent media appearance revealed a concerning inclination to engage in partisan debate and take on responsibilities that are well beyond the Commission’s constitutional authority.
Your attempt to position yourself as a judge’s interpreter is really concerning. This is absolutely not acceptable. The judiciary is solely responsible for interpreting court rulings. It would be a grave constitutional violation and an insult to the separation of powers philosophy for the Chairman of INEC to openly take on that position and offer partisan interpretations of court decisions that seem to favor a specific person.
Your actions and INEC’s previous letter to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) support the idea that, under your direction, the Commission has abandoned neutrality and sided with factional interests. This is not only inappropriate, but it poses a threat to our electoral system’s credibility.
Additionally, it is documented that the person in question was present at the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where Chief Ralph Nwosu’s National Working Committee (NWC), of which he was a member, was legally dissolved. Any later reliance on his prior authority, position, or signature is essentially defective, inconsistent, and lacking in legal credibility because he was involved in that judgment.
In this context, INEC’s stance raises grave concerns about institutional overreach and bias.
A court of law is not what INEC is. It’s not a champion. It is not required to interpret rulings to fit a narrative of choice. It has a clear obligation to behave impartially and professionally while adhering to the law and the Constitution.
Beyond these violations, we categorically denounce what can only be characterized as a risky and intolerable attempt to weaken and overthrow Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system. Democratic pluralism is fundamentally undermined by any action, policy, or behavior that distorts the electoral process, elevates a disgruntled party member to the position of factional leader, or interferes with political parties’ internal autonomy. And you’ve completed all of these.
Without reservation, we declare that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will lawfully, strongly, and passionately oppose any such attempt. Political plurality was the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, and no person or organization will be permitted to undermine it through partisan behavior and governmental overreach.
We recognize that many morally upright men and women who have worked for our nation and the integrity of its electoral process over the years have been and continue to be members of the INEC. However, your actions today have successfully damaged the Commission’s reputation and severely undermined public trust, giving the impression that you are willing to trash their sacrifices.
To dispel any questions, we describe below the fundamental procedure that gave rise to the executive led by David Mark, which amply demonstrated that you are capable of knowing the truth but have chosen to misrepresent or disregard it.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party, ADC, met on March 27, 2025, at the National Headquarters and Transformation Center, 4, Oyo St., Area 2, Abuja. Among other things, it agreed to waive the stipulations of Articles 9.3(1)(2)(3) & 9.4(1). The Chairman of the Party had previously mentioned these Articles of the Party’s Constitution as obstacles to the Party’s goal of creating an inclusive Party that will unite other stakeholders in a wide-ranging patriotic coalition. In order to achieve this, Peter Oyewole Esq., the Party’s National Legal Advisor, moved that Article 9.4(4) be applied appropriately. The motion was approved during the meeting. INEC representatives, NWC representatives, and NEC members attended this meeting. Additionally, the Party sent the meeting report to INEC in a letter dated April 3, 2025, which was acknowledged as received in the INEC Chairman’s office.
The Chelsea Hotel in Abuja’s central business district hosted another National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on April 4, 2025. Among other decisions made at this summit were:
(a). Put an end to Article 23(4) of the Party’s constitution, which can prohibit merit-based appointment to open positions.
The b. Give the National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, and the National Working Committee (NWC) the authority to take all necessary steps, make the necessary decisions, and involve pertinent parties in order to successfully form, coordinate, and carry out the coalition in accordance with the Party’s goals.
and c. The meeting adopted the resolutions by unanimous vote.
INEC representatives, NWC representatives, and NEC members attended this meeting. A letter dated May 21, 2025, contained the meeting’s report to the INEC Chairman. On May 30, 2025, the INEC Chairman’s office acknowledged receiving it.
In accordance with the NEC’s May 15, 2025, order previously mentioned, the National Working Committee (NWC) adopted the following resolutions at its meeting on July 2, 2025:
(a). creation of a Caretaker Committee to oversee Party operations in light of internal reform and the coalition process.
The b. The Caretaker Committee/Interim NWC’s composition and appointments include Senator David Mark as its acting national chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as its acting national secretary, Abdullahi as its acting national publicity secretary, and other members.
and c. The Party’s business will be run by the Caretaker Committee for at least a year.
The Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened at the Chelsea Hotel in Abuja’s central business district on July 29, 2025, and reached the following resolutions, among others:
(a). approval of NWC decisions and the creation of a Caretaker Committee to oversee Party operations in light of internal reorganization and the coalition process.
The b. approval of the nomination and makeup of the Caretaker Committee, which consists of all of the officers mentioned above.
and c. The National Secretary Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi and National Chairman Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu were tasked with promptly informing INEC of the Party’s leadership changes.
a d. Members were sworn into their different positions and the required oaths of office were delivered after motions were adopted and the Caretaker Committee members were unanimously ratified by the Party’s NEC. In the presence of NEC members and INEC officials, this was carried out without a single protest. All of the recently selected members of the NEC’s Caretaker Committee pledged allegiance to the African Democratic Congress and its Constitution. Not a single voice expressed disapproval or criticism.
an e. Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi submitted the report of this NEC meeting to INEC per the NEC’s instructions.
(f). This transparent and open process served as the foundation for INEC’s acceptance of the new leadership and the upload of the senior officers to its electronic site.
As a result of the aforementioned, no member of the Party’s former NWC has any right or claim to any position going forward.
Additionally, you should be aware that INEC’s own affidavit, which was presented to the Federal High Court on September 12, fully affirms everything said above. We also need to let you know that we are aware of the efforts INEC is making in response to your direction and the pressure being applied to honest INEC staff to retract their testimony, which runs counter to your chosen course of action. This is unacceptable, for sure.
Considering the aforementioned, we so require:
In order to protect INEC’s integrity, you must resign from your position immediately.
Due to egregious wrongdoing, abuse of office, and breach of constitutional boundaries, you will be immediately removed by the relevant constitutional authorities.
We further reaffirm our call for:
the prompt removal of INEC’s aggressive letters to the ADC;
a formal apology to the person involved; and
a firm pledge to stop meddling in political parties’ internal matters.
Be aware that if we don’t comply, we will have no choice but to use all legal and constitutional means of enforcing accountability, such as court cases and concerted public action.
Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be compromised in the sake of institutional compromise.
With loyalty, yours
Mark, the senator
National Head of State,
ADC, or African Democratic Congress
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
National Head of State,
ADC, or African Democratic Congress
In Anambra, ADC suspends congresses
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Anambra Chapter has stopped all state congresses till further notice.
This was revealed by the party’s chairman and secretary, Mr. Patrick Obianyo and Mr. Lawrence Okeke, in a statement released in Awka and made available to reporters on Wednesday.
The decision, according to the party, was made to reaffirm its dedication to the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authorities.
“Remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful throughout this period,” it instructed all of its members and stakeholders.
New dates for the congresses and conventions will be announced after the conclusion of the ongoing national consultations and meetings, the statement said.
It declared that the committee chaired by Obianyo was still legitimate and asked the public and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ignore any orders, statements, or acts coming from other people.
The party continued, “We urge all members and supporters of ADC to continue upholding peace, unity, and discipline as we navigate this period.”
Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to stop recognizing the party’s leadership due to a court ruling, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pledged to run in the 2027 general election under its own platform.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday and voiced optimism that the opposition party will overcome all obstacles in its path.
“We will run in the 2027 election on the ADC platform, I can assure you,” Abdullahi declared.
“We continue to have faith in the judiciary despite the events in Nigeria. We think we have a strong case. We are certain that justice will be served if the court convenes today and we are given the accelerated hearing. Regarding that, we are certain. In addition to wishing for the best, we are getting ready for the worse.
“If the same INEC that swore in an affidavit that it was aware of the leadership change in the ADC is now turning around to say what they are saying, they are not going to stop us,” the spokesperson continued, maintaining that the party has nothing to fear because it had given INEC the recommended 21-day notice for its congresses.
He emphasized that the party will not just quit up, cautioning that doing so would make them complicit in the degradation of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Issues with One-Party States
President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are allegedly attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, according to Abdullahi, who declared that the ADC would oppose this move.
According to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria won’t turn into a one-party state during our time. He declared, “We will do everything within the law to resist it.”
He claims that the ruling party is in a panic due to internal polls, and that President Tinubu is aware of his unpopularity.
He stated, “Nigerians no longer want the APC, even though the party has nearly all of the governors and lawmakers.”
Abdullahi also said that in order to ensure that Tinubu is the sole viable presidential candidate in 2027, the ruling party is working to undermine alternative political groups.
“The agenda is identical. They want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the sole contender when we get there in 2027. This is the schedule.
“It is the reason they destroyed the NNPP; it is the reason they destabilized the Labour Party; it is the reason they decapitated the PDP and made it an appendage of the ruling party now,” he stated.
Not a Boycott
When asked if the ADC will follow other opposition parties’ requests to abstain from the 2027 election, Abdullahi stated that the party would never do so.
“There will be no boycott. As I mentioned, to boycott is to give up. You boycott, you garner media attention, so what?He stated.
Millions of Nigerians have suffered over the past three years, he continued, and the ADC would not let them down by abstaining from a procedure that could make their lives better.
Background of Law
Gombe filed a lawsuit in September 2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, contesting the validity of the NWC headed by David Mark and Aregbesola.
He asserted that he ought to have taken over as leader following Nwosu’s resignation and claimed that Nwosu had falsified his resignation letter.
Citing a court order to preserve the status quo, INEC deleted Mark and Aregbesola’s names as the ADC chairman and secretary from its portal last week.
Abdullahi maintains that the “clear” and “legal” method was used to install the David Mark-led ADC.
Adopted as a coalition party in July 2025, the ADC is getting ready to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Prominent political leaders who support the party include Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Despite what it called the “phantom de-recognition” of the party’s leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Voters Organization (NVO) has called on the African Democratic Congress to move forward with its scheduled congresses and national convention.
Barr signed the statement. The group, led by NVO President Jezie Ekejiuba, urged ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola “not to be deceived” by the electoral body’s decision, which it claimed was intended to interfere with the party’s 2027 general election preparations.
“From all legal angles the de-recognition… cannot stand the test of legal scrutiny as it is void ab initio,” the organization stated, arguing that INEC was not authorized to interpret court decisions in a way that would render a party’s leadership structure ineffectual.
NVO also claimed that the action was “a banana peel laid by APC… to scuttle the planned congresses of the ADC,” and that it was meant to stop the party from running candidates in 2027.
It questioned how INEC, which was identified as a party to an ongoing appeal over ADC leadership, could “assume the role of a court of law” by construing a status quo ruling to indicate a leadership void.
“Assuming the role of a court of law and punishing a co-party is absurd for INEC, a co-party in a Civil Court of Appeal process,” the statement stated.
The organization noted that the move will allow the party to comply with the standards of the Electoral Act, 2026 and praised the ADC leadership for moving forward with its schedule.
It further stated that INEC’s ruling was “politically manipulated and sponsored… and legally void as it is unknown to law.”
In addition, NVO gave INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan a seven-day deadline to overturn the ruling and step down, threatening legal action if he didn’t.
The group declared that it will collaborate with other interested parties to oppose what it called attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
