ADC crisis: Mark dismisses tensions as leaders protest at INEC, demand chairman’s removal

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has dismissed concerns over the party’s internal crisis, assuring members and the public that the situation remains under control.

Mark gave the assurance in a statement marking his 78th birthday, describing the challenges facing the party as part of the natural growth process of any political organisation.

His remarks came amid heightened tensions, as top ADC figures staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding the resignation or removal of its chairman, Joash Amupitan, over alleged legitimacy concerns.

The protest attracted key political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Chibuike Amaechi, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In a symbolic move, protesters began by singing Nigeria’s old national anthem before marching to INEC’s headquarters, where they submitted a strongly worded letter demanding Amupitan’s immediate exit from office.

The letter, dated April 8, 2026, and signed by Mark and Aregbesola, accused the electoral body of compromising its neutrality and interfering in the internal affairs of the party. It alleged misconduct, abuse of office, and constitutional violations, insisting that INEC’s credibility was at stake.

According to the ADC, the commission’s actions suggested alignment with factional interests within the party, raising concerns about the fairness of future elections and undermining public trust in the electoral process.

The party also faulted INEC for allegedly interpreting court rulings publicly, arguing that such actions violate the principle of separation of powers, as only the judiciary is empowered to interpret its judgments.

ADC further rejected the legitimacy of rival claimants to its leadership, maintaining that its current structure was the outcome of duly conducted and documented processes, which had previously been acknowledged by INEC.

Warning of further action, Obi said failure by INEC to address the party’s demands could lead to legal battles and broader civic mobilisation.

“We must resist any attempt to undermine our democracy,” Obi stated, calling on Nigerians to oppose moves towards a one-party system.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, accused INEC under Amupitan of posing a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. He alleged that the commission’s actions were part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.

Dasuki, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC, cited the PDP’s internal crisis as a factor in his decision, arguing that it had weakened its effectiveness as an opposition platform.

Reacting to the developments, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, criticised opposition parties, saying those unable to manage their internal affairs could not be trusted to govern the country.

He described the ongoing crises within opposition parties as evidence of structural weaknesses, warning Nigerians against entrusting national leadership to what he called unstable political platforms.

Yilwatda maintained that the APC remains the most organised and capable political party in Nigeria, with the experience and institutional strength required to lead the country.

Despite the tensions, Mark reiterated the ADC’s commitment to democracy, national unity, and good governance, pledging that the party would continue working to strengthen democratic institutions and deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians