ADC releases INEC affidavit backing David Mark-led leadership

The African Democratic Congress has made public an affidavit from the Independent National Electoral Commission, dated September 12, 2025, affirming that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) under David Mark was duly recognised.

According to the document released on Tuesday, INEC acknowledged that the leadership transition within the party had been concluded before the stated date, describing it as an internal party affair.

According to the ADC, Clauses 14 to 19 of the affidavit explicitly established that issues relating to party leadership fall outside the scope of judicial interference, reinforcing the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.

Relying on the document, the party argued that its leadership structure remains legitimate and should not be subjected to external influence or legal disruption.

However, the development comes amid rising tensions within the party, with the ADC alleging attempts to manipulate democratic institutions. The party accused the administration of Bola Tinubu and the embattled INEC Chairman, Josh Amupitan, of using the electoral body to steer the country toward a one-party system.

The ADC warned that such actions could undermine the independence and neutrality of INEC, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on the commission maintaining impartiality in party affairs.

It further cautioned that any perceived bias by the electoral umpire could erode public trust and weaken the foundations of democratic governance.

The party reiterated that democracy can only thrive when institutions remain fair, independent, and free from political interference, urging all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the nation’s electoral system.