• The ADC staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, escalating tensions with the electoral body
• The party demanded the resignation or removal of INEC chairman, Joseph Amupitan, over alleged bias
• The controversy stems from an internal ADC leadership dispute that has widened into a national political issue
• The party warned that INEC’s actions could undermine democratic neutrality ahead of the 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its standoff with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the immediate resignation or removal of its chairman, Joseph Amupitan, over alleged bias and constitutional violations.

The demand was made on Wednesday, April 8, during a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, where party leaders and supporters gathered to express concerns about the Commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.

What began as an internal leadership dispute within the ADC in September 2025 has now escalated into a broader political confrontation, raising questions about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

The party’s position was presented by its National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who accused the INEC chairman of overstepping his constitutional boundaries and aligning with factional interests within the party.

“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party told the INEC chairman.

At the centre of the dispute is the ADC’s claim that the INEC chairman improperly interpreted court rulings in public, an action the party insists is reserved solely for the judiciary.

“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role… amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party stated.

The ADC further alleged that recent actions by INEC, including official correspondence with the party, suggest a departure from neutrality.

“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” it warned.

According to the party, such actions risk undermining Nigeria’s democratic framework, particularly when they appear to interfere in internal party affairs or favour specific factions.

“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done,” it said.

The party is demanding that the INEC chairman either step down immediately or be removed through constitutional processes.

In addition, it called on the Commission to withdraw what it described as “offensive correspondence,” issue a formal apology, and commit to staying out of internal party matters.

“INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgments to suit a preferred narrative,” the party added.

To back its claims, the ADC referenced a series of internal decisions taken in 2025, including multiple National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that produced its current leadership under Senator David Mark.

The party said those processes were conducted transparently, attended by INEC officials, and concluded without objections. It added that the outcomes were formally communicated to INEC, which acknowledged them and updated its records accordingly.

However, the ADC alleged that there are now attempts to pressure officials to reverse earlier positions, including statements made under oath before the Federal High Court.

“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,” the party stated.

While acknowledging the contributions of many INEC officials, the party argued that the chairman’s actions have damaged the Commission’s credibility and eroded public trust.

“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute,” it added.

The ADC warned that failure to meet its demands would trigger legal action and broader civic mobilisation.

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the party said.

INEC chairman denies plot to make Nigeria one-party state

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, had denied allegations that he is part of any plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

Amupitan stressed that he had no involvement in any agenda aimed at undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, insisting that the commission’s actions are guided strictly by legal and judicial directives