Tension Builds As David Mark Declares INEC No Longer An Independent Referee

Mark made the statement during a national summit of opposition political leaders held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) accused INEC of taking sides in political matters, claiming that it has drifted away from its role as a neutral electoral umpire. He further alleged that both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC are working in ways that undermine opposition parties.

In his address, Mark called for unity among opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections, urging them to work together to unseat the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described the political struggle as a “national rescue mission,” warning against division within the opposition. According to him, Nigeria has never been, and should never become, a one-party state, adding that fragmented opposition forces cannot succeed at the polls.

Mark stated that the real political contest is between the ruling party and the Nigerian people, insisting that public trust in INEC has significantly declined.

The summit was attended by several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Information Minister Professor Jerry Gana, activists Aisha Yesufu and Professor Pat Utomi, as well as former governors such as Rauf Aregbesola, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Aminu Tambuwal, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abdulfatai Ahmed, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babangida Aliyu, among others.