The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN, whom they have accused of partisanship and commiting constitutional violations, and acts that endanger Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Party leaders and supporters assembled in protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to make the demand.
As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, what started as an internal leadership disagreement inside the ADC last September has now escalated into a broader political conflict, giving rise to new accusations regarding the Electoral Commission’s impartiality.
The National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, and the National Secretary and former govenor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, expressed the stance, accusing the INEC chairman of stepping beyond his constitutional role and aligning with factional interests within the party.
The party informed the INEC chairman, “Your recent media interview exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy, in addition to being disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy.”
The main point of contention is what the ADC claims is an attempt by the INEC chairman to publicly interpret court decisions; the party maintains that this action violates the constitution and obfuscates the distinction between institutions.
“The judiciary alone has the authority to interpret court rulings. The party declared that it would be a grave constitutional violation for the INEC Chairman to openly take on that responsibility.
According to the ADC, recent Commission actions, including its communication with the party, have deepened concerns that INEC may no longer be acting as a neutral umpire.
“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.
It also argued that such actions risk weakening the country’s democratic structure, particularly where they appear to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties or elevate factional interests.
“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 demanded that the INEC chairman either step down immediately or be removed by the appropriate constitutional authorities.
It also wants the Commission to withdraw what it described as ‘offensive correspondence’ sent to the ADC, issue a formal apology, and commit to staying out of internal party matters.
“INEC does not function as a court. It’s not a champion. The party went on, “It has no authority to interpret rulings to fit a chosen narrative. To support its claims, the ADC pointed to a series of internal decisions taken in 2025, including multiple National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that led to the emergence of its current leadership under Senator David Mark.
According to the party, those processes were conducted transparently, attended by INEC officials, and carried out without any objections at the time.
It stated that INEC was formally informed of the results, acknowledged them, and changed its records to reflect the new leadership.
The party further asserted that INEC had affirmed the validity of such procedures in a written affidavit submitted to the Federal High Court, but that attempts are now being made to coerce officials into changing their previous stances.
“We are aware of attempts to retract their statements that go against the goals you have chosen to pursue. The party declared, “This is unconscionable.”
The ADC acknowledged the work of numerous Commission officials, but claimed that the chairman’s actions had harmed the organization’s standing and undermined public confidence.
It went on, “But you have seemed willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute.” The party warned that if its demands are ignored, it will pursue both 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.“
ADC’s Demands
- Immediate resignation of the INEC chairman or his removal by appropriate constitutional authorities
- Withdrawal of INEC’s correspondence to the ADC described as “offensive”
- Formal apology from INEC to the ADC
- Commitment by INEC to refrain from interference in the internal affairs of political parties
Enforcement Measures if Ignored:
- Judicial proceedings
- Coordinated civic action.
