By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it described as a deliberate plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken opposition parties and enthrone a one-party state in Nigeria by 2027.
Addressing a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias and unlawful actions after the commission announced plans to delist him and other key party officials from its portal.
Mark, flanked by prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, said the move was part of a wider scheme to cripple the ADC and eliminate viable alternatives for Nigerians in the next general election.
He alleged that INEC’s decision was in contempt of a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a leadership suit filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
“The agenda is very clear: to create a situation where, in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people, despite the widespread suffering and wanton killings going on across the country,” Mark said.
The embattled ADC chairman demanded the immediate sack or resignation of INEC Chairman Professor Amupitan Joash and all National Commissioners, declaring that the commission could no longer be trusted to conduct credible elections.
Mark warned that the commission’s action had already undermined the ADC’s participation in the forthcoming Osun and Ekiti elections and threatened to hold INEC responsible for any crisis that may arise from its decision to delist the party’s leadership.
The leadership crisis in the ADC began after the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, leading to the emergence of Senator David Mark’s group in July 2025. The matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development has further heightened concerns about the state of opposition politics and the integrity of the electoral process as the country prepares for the 202
7 general elections.
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