- they submitted a strongly-worded letter to INEC Chairman Professor Joseph Amupitan, demanding his immediate resignation
- the letter outlines multiple serious allegations and legal arguments
African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a high-profile demonstration in Abuja on Wednesday.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the protest saw the participation of the party’s top officials, including National Chairman Senator David Mark, National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiya movement.
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The demonstration began symbolically with party members singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” before marching to INEC’s Abuja headquarters.
There, they submitted a strongly-worded letter to INEC Chairman Professor Joseph Amupitan, demanding his immediate resignation or removal.
Dated April 8, 2026, the letter outlines multiple serious allegations and legal arguments, with the ADC warning of political and civic consequences if its demands are ignored. The party’s main points include:
Demand for Immediate Resignation or Removal
The ADC insisted that the INEC Chairman step down or be removed without delay, framing the issue as one of institutional integrity. The party accused Amupitan of misconduct, abuse of office, and constitutional violations, asserting that the credibility of INEC is at risk.
Claims of Partisanship
The party alleged that under Amupitan, INEC has shifted from neutrality, suggesting favoritism toward certain factions. The ADC warned that this compromises public confidence in the electoral process and threatens the fairness of upcoming elections.
Exceeding Constitutional Authority
The ADC criticized the Chairman for publicly interpreting court rulings, arguing that only the judiciary has the authority to do so. The party said such actions breach the separation of powers and appear politically motivated.
Threat to Multi-Party Democracy
According to the ADC, INEC’s involvement in party affairs and elevation of certain factional actors endangers Nigeria’s multi-party system. The party described these actions as a direct threat to democratic pluralism.
Rejection of Rival Leadership Claims
The party dismissed the legitimacy of individuals claiming leadership outside the recognized structure, citing prior participation in processes that dissolved former leadership as contradictory and legally invalid.
Timeline Establishing Leadership Legitimacy
To substantiate its claims, the ADC provided a detailed account of internal party decisions in 2025, highlighting NEC and NWC meetings attended by INEC officials. The party noted that INEC had formally recognized the leadership on its website, reinforcing the ADC’s position.
Warning of Legal and Civic Escalation
The letter concluded with a clear warning that failure to comply would prompt legal action and coordinated public campaigns, signaling the party’s readiness to escalate the dispute beyond correspondence.
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