The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing mounting criticism following its decision to derecognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), deepening the party’s internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Opposition figures and ADC leaders on Thursday accused the electoral body of acting under the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

The backlash comes after INEC announced the delisting of key ADC figures, including National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, citing compliance with a court order directing parties to maintain the status quo pending determination of a suit.

Reacting, Mark described the decision as part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties and undermine democratic freedoms.

“We demand the immediate resignation or sacking of the INEC Chairman… We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” he said.

Mark further alleged that the move was aimed at creating a political landscape where President Bola Tinubu would emerge as the only viable option in 2027.

However, INEC dismissed the calls, insisting that its leadership and operations are constitutionally protected.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission said the appointment and removal of its leadership are strictly governed by the 1999 Constitution.

“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is a direct assault on the independence of the electoral umpire,” the statement read.

INEC also defended its decision, stating that compliance with court rulings was necessary to avoid legal complications, referencing past cases in Zamfara and Plateau where electoral outcomes were nullified due to disobedience of court orders.

The commission maintained that it remains neutral and not a participant in political competition, noting that the recent registration of new political parties contradicts claims of a move towards a one-party state.

The ADC, however, insists the commission’s actions could undermine its participation in upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well as its planned congresses and national convention scheduled for April.

The party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since 2025, following disputes over the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark and lingering disagreements involving former chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Adding to the debate, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) urged INEC to exercise caution in handling internal party disputes, warning that missteps could erode public confidence in the electoral system.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised the development, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Meanwhile, the APC dismissed the allegations, insisting that the ADC’s challenges are self-inflicted.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the party’s crisis stemmed from internal contradictions and poor leadership decisions, not external interference.

Tensions around the dispute escalated in Abuja, with heavy security deployed at INEC headquarters amid protests by rival groups.

While some demonstrators backed the commission’s decision, others mobilised under the #OccupyINEC campaign to oppose the delisting of ADC leaders.

The situation underscores growing political friction as parties begin realignments and strategising ahead of the 2027 elections.