The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, accusing the electoral body of actions aimed at weakening opposition parties and steering Nigeria toward a one-party system.
The demand follows INEC’s decision to delist the names of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members from its official website—an action the ADC described as illegal, provocative and capable of destabilising its internal structure.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the party’s national leadership alleged that the commission was being influenced by interests seeking to create an advantage for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the ADC, the removal of its national officers, led by David Mark, was carried out without any court order or legal backing.
The party argued that the move signals an attempt to suppress opposition voices, warning that such actions could pave the way for a one-party state. It further maintained that INEC had compromised its role as an independent and impartial electoral umpire.
Insisting on the legitimacy of its leadership, the ADC stated that the commission lacks constitutional authority to unilaterally de-recognise duly elected party officials. It noted that it had complied with all statutory requirements for its forthcoming nationwide congresses and that INEC had previously acknowledged its notifications.
Beyond calling for the INEC chairman’s removal, the party disclosed plans to initiate legal proceedings to compel the commission to restore its leadership details on the portal, as well as seek damages over what it described as reputational harm.
The ADC also urged opposition parties, civil society organisations and the international community to take note of what it termed growing authoritarian tendencies within the electoral system. It warned that failure to safeguard INEC’s independence could jeopardise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The party called on the Presidency and the National Assembly to intervene, stressing that the country’s democracy is at a critical juncture and that an electoral body perceived as biased cannot be entrusted with overseeing elections for millions of citizens.
