The African Democratic Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s support movement have condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to remove Senator David Mark as National Chairman of the ADC and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
INEC announced the action on Wednesday through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. The commission said the move followed a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of Mark’s leadership.
Reacting, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of trying to hijack the party. “It is definitely a violation of the Court of Appeal position because what the Court of Appeal will rule is that we should maintain the status quo. And that means we should go back to maintain the status quo before all legal interpretation,” he said.
He argued that before the court case, Mark was the recognised leader. “So if they are doing otherwise now, it means they are yielding to pressure from the enemies of democracy that this APC government represents, and we are going to resist it by all legal means possible,” Abdullahi added.
The PDP also weighed in. Its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, alleged that the government is behind the crisis facing opposition parties. “It is a national tragedy and a challenge to democracy that should not be allowed to happen,” he said.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, warned that INEC’s decision could lead to serious consequences. “This is completely absurd. A court case that is still pending. When did they adjudicate on the issue of the court case and make it a basis to say they are not recognising anybody? This is terrible. This is unacceptable,” he said.
He added, “Nigeria will face catastrophic effects if INEC continues to use this as a pretext in making decisions that concern the people. The APC government is behind it.”
Meanwhile, the faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe commended INEC for its stance. Gombe’s Chief of Staff, Bala Sani, said, “Our position is very clear. All we want is for INEC to comply with the judgment of the Court of Appeal.”
INEC said it removed Mark and Aregbesola’s names from its portal after reviewing a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026. The commission also stated it will not recognise any faction until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment.
Former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu dismissed the reports as “fake news,” while the APC had yet to respond to requests for comment as of press time.
