ADC demands Amupitan’s sack over party leadership de-recognition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the resignation or removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and all national commissioners over the commission’s de-recognition of the party’s leadership.

The ADC National Chairman, David Mark, made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Mark said INEC’s decision to delist the party’s leadership had heightened political tension and raised questions about the commission’s independence.

The development followed INEC’s suspension of recognition of all ADC leadership factions after a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s structure.

Mark stated that the electoral body had lost public trust and could no longer conduct credible, transparent, and acceptable elections.

He accused the commission of partisanship, alleging that its actions were undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

The ADC chairman, however, insisted that the party would proceed with its planned national convention, noting that INEC’s presence was not mandatory once proper notification had been served.

INEC undermining democracy — ADC

He maintained that the party had complied with all statutory requirements and that no lawful obstacle could halt its internal democratic processes.

Mark urged the international community to scrutinise INEC’s actions, warning that recent developments posed threats to democratic stability.

The former Senate President called on Nigerians to defend democracy, stressing that impartial and accountable institutions were essential for democratic growth.

Explaining the leadership restructuring, Mark said a NEC meeting on July 29, 2025, dissolved the National Working Committee and approved a caretaker leadership.

He added that the caretaker committee, chaired by himself with Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, was communicated to INEC, while prominent leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and John Odigie-Oyegun attended the briefing in support of the reforms.