Calls for an INEC chairman sack have intensified after the African Democratic Congress accused the electoral body of actions that could undermine opposition parties and shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party raised the concerns during a press briefing in Abuja.
The demand for an INEC chairman sack follows recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission concerning the leadership structure of the ADC.
INEC had updated its records in line with a court directive to maintain the status quo amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
The development stems from internal disagreements over the control of the party’s National Working Committee, which has led to parallel claims to leadership and legal challenges.
The leadership crisis, which has persisted since 2025, has drawn regulatory attention, placing the electoral commission in a position where it must interpret and implement court orders relating to party administration.
Addressing journalists, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, said the call for an INEC chairman sack was based on what the party described as loss of confidence in the commission’s neutrality.
“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman and all National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them.
We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” Mark said.
He argued that INEC’s handling of the party’s leadership dispute went beyond compliance with a court order and had significant implications for internal party operations.
According to him, the action disrupted the party’s organisational structure and could affect its preparedness for upcoming elections.
Mark further alleged that the situation reflects a broader political trend, stating that recent developments could weaken opposition parties and limit political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The agenda is very clear: to create a situation where, in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people,” he said.
The ADC leadership maintained that the demand for an INEC chairman sack is necessary to restore public confidence in the electoral process and ensure neutrality in election management.
The call for an INEC chairman sack highlights increasing tension between political parties and electoral authorities as the next election cycle approaches.
It raises questions about how regulatory bodies manage internal party disputes and the extent to which such actions can influence political participation.
The situation also underscores the importance of institutional independence in maintaining credibility within Nigeria’s electoral system.
Analysts note that disputes of this nature, if unresolved, could affect voter confidence and the perceived fairness of future elections.
