Political Firestorm! ADC Blasts INEC, Calls Derecognition An Attack On Democracy

At a press conference on Thursday, the party demanded the resignation of INEC Chairman Josh Amupitan, alleging that the move was part of a broader plan to limit political choices ahead of the 2027 elections.

The event featured prominent political figures including Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi.

In a detailed statement titled “This Attack on Democracy Will Not Stand,” the party expressed concern over what it described as growing threats to democratic freedoms under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The ADC argued that democracy depends on citizens’ freedom to choose, participate, and associate—values it claimed have been undermined in recent years. According to the party, the current political climate suggests an attempt to position President Tinubu as the only viable option in the next general election.

The party also traced the origin of its current leadership to a National Executive Committee meeting held in July 2025, which it said was monitored by INEC officials. At that meeting, the existing leadership structure was dissolved and replaced with a caretaker committee led by David Mark and Aregbesola.

The ADC maintained that all due processes were followed and formally communicated to INEC, which initially acknowledged the new leadership by uploading their names to its official portal.

However, the situation became complicated following legal action by Nafiu Bala, a former party official who had earlier resigned. The party alleged that recent developments—including INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from all factions—were influenced by political pressure and misinterpretation of court rulings.

The ADC concluded by warning that any attempt to weaken opposition parties or undermine democratic structures would ultimately be resisted, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected.