African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released what it described as a certified affidavit from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dated September 12, 2025, affirming that former Senate President David Mark was duly leading the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The opposition party said the document, particularly Clauses 14 to 19, clearly established that the leadership transition within the party had already been concluded and formally recognized by INEC, stressing that such internal party affairs fall outside the jurisdiction of judicial interference.
According to the ADC, “Please pay particular attention to Clauses 14 to 19, which affirm that the leadership transition had already been completed and recognized by INEC, and that such internal party matters fall outside the scope of judicial interference.”
The party, however, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside what it described as the “embattled” INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, of allegedly manipulating the electoral body to advance a one-party political system in Nigeria.
“It is now crystal clear that Tinubu’s APC and the embattled INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, are using INEC to push a one-party system in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The ADC further expressed deep concern over what it described as threats to the neutrality and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, warning that the alleged interference could undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
“This development raises grave concerns about the independence, neutrality, and credibility of the electoral process in Nigeria. When an institution constitutionally expected to act as an impartial umpire is seen to be taking sides in internal party affairs, it strikes at the very foundation of democratic fairness and public trust,” the party said.
The statement warned that democratic governance could be endangered if state institutions were weaponized against opposition parties, describing the development as a broader threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
“No democracy can survive where state institutions are turned into political weapons against opposition parties. What is happening before our eyes is not just an attack on ADC, but a dangerous attempt to weaken multiparty democracy and silence alternative political voices in Nigeria. Every patriotic citizen must understand the seriousness of this moment,” ADC stated.
The party therefore called on Nigerians to defend democratic values and resist any attempt to erode plural political participation in the country.
“We call on all Nigerians to rise to the occasion and save our democracy,” the statement concluded.