Tension heightened in Nigeria’s political space on Thursday as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of partisanship in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The opposition figures, who gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for a planned press conference, alleged that the INEC leadership had compromised its neutrality and could no longer be trusted to conduct credible elections in 2027.
Among those present were prominent political leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aminu Tambuwal, alongside other key stakeholders within the ADC.
The leaders criticised INEC’s recent decision to remove the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, and members of its National Working Committee from its official portal, describing the move as politically motivated.
They further accused the commission of taking sides with the APC, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the next general elections.
The ADC leaders also maintained that the party would continue with its programmes, arguing that there is no legal requirement mandating INEC’s presence or approval for its internal activities.
Calling on the international community to closely monitor developments, the opposition bloc urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend democratic principles, warning against what they described as attempts to impose a one-party state in the country.
The development signals a deepening controversies between opposition parties and the electoral body.
