Abuja: Wednesday in Abuja staged a peaceful protest over the derecognition of the Sen. David Mark leadership by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the protest began from Maitama Roundabout to INEC headquarters in the FCT. The protest, led by Mark, the party’s National Chairman, also included notable figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye.
Speaking during the protest, Mark emphasized that the interpretation of court judgments is exclusively the judiciary’s role, not that of the INEC chairman. He asserted that any attempt by INEC to assume this role constitutes a constitutional breach and undermines the doctrine of separation of powers. Mark criticized INEC’s previous correspondence with ADC, suggesting that the commission had compromised its neutrality by taking sides with factional interests, which he argued poses a threat to the credibility of the electoral system.
Mark highlighted that the individual involved attended the ADC’s NEC meeting, where the NWC, led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, and including Nafiu Bala, was dissolved. He stated that any reliance on the individual’s former authority or signature is legally invalid.
A protest letter, signed by Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, was submitted to INEC during the demonstration. In it, ADC demanded the immediate resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the withdrawal of INEC’s correspondence to ADC, and a formal apology to the party. The protesters also urged INEC to commit to non-interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
ADC declared its intention to pursue all lawful avenues, including judicial proceedings and civic actions, to ensure accountability if INEC does not comply with its demands. A faction of the party, led by Nafiu Bala, has been engaged in a legal dispute with the Mark faction over party control. INEC had suspended recognition of both factions, following a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation at a Federal High Court concerning the party’s leadership.