The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), accusing him of partisanship and actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

The demand was made on Wednesday during a protest by party leaders and supporters at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The development comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party that began last September and has since escalated into a wider confrontation between the ADC and the electoral commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s position was conveyed by the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

They accused the INEC chairman of exceeding his constitutional mandate and allegedly aligning with a faction within the party.

“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party said.

The ADC also faulted the INEC chairman for allegedly interpreting court rulings relating to the party’s leadership dispute, insisting that such responsibility lies solely with the judiciary.

“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role… amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party stated.

It added that recent actions and communications from the commission had raised concerns about the neutrality of the electoral body.

“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.

The ADC further alleged that the electoral commission had taken steps capable of interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.

“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done,” the party said.

The party also claimed that INEC had previously monitored and acknowledged internal decisions taken in 2025, including National Executive Committee meetings that produced the current leadership under Senator David Mark.

According to the party, the commission initially recognised those decisions and updated its records accordingly.

It added that INEC had also confirmed the legitimacy of the processes in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court but alleged that pressure was now being mounted on officials to reverse their positions.

“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,” the party stated.

ADC Lists Demands, Threatens Legal Action
While acknowledging the contributions of other officials within the electoral commission, the party said the actions of the chairman had damaged the credibility of the institution.

“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute,” it added.

The party demanded:

– Immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman

– Withdrawal of what it described as “offensive correspondence” sent to the ADC

– A formal apology from INEC

– A commitment by the commission not to interfere in internal party affairs

The party warned that it would pursue legal and civic measures if its demands were ignored.

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the statement read.