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ABUJA — Nigeria’s fragile democracy came under fierce attack Thursday as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, unleashed a blistering broadside against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of abandoning neutrality and actively working to cripple opposition politics ahead of 2027.

In a fiery world press conference on April 2, Mark declared that INEC had “chosen the path of dishonour” and could “no longer be trusted,” alleging that the electoral umpire was complicit in a calculated plot to impose a one-party state under President Bola Tinubu

“This is not confusion. This is complicity,” Mark thundered. “The electoral umpire has taken sides.”

‘A COORDINATED ASSAULT ON DEMOCRACY’

Mark painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political climate, warning that the country was sliding dangerously toward authoritarianism under the guise of democracy.

According to him, the past three years have seen a “relentless assault” on fundamental freedoms, including the right to choose, associate, and participate, all aimed at clearing the path for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“The agenda is clear,” he said. “To leave Nigerians with no option, despite widespread suffering, deepening poverty, and worsening insecurity.”

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a systematic dismantling of opposition parties, describing the ADC as “the last bastion” standing between Nigeria and dictatorship.

INEC DECISION ‘ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS’

At the heart of the outrage is INEC’s April 1 decision to withdraw recognition from both the Mark-led ADC leadership and a rival faction linked to Nafiu Bala — a move Mark described as “a fabricated crisis” and a blatant distortion of the law.

He insisted there was no legitimate leadership dispute within the party, noting that Bala had resigned months before attempting to reclaim authority through the courts.

By equating both camps, Mark argued, INEC had “invented a status quo that never existed” and acted in direct contempt of a Court of Appeal ruling.

“What INEC has done is unlawful. It has created confusion where none existed and left a duly constituted party without leadership,” he said.

DIRECT CHALLENGE TO TINUBU

In one of the most pointed moments of the address, Mark confronted President Bola Tinubu directly, questioning his democratic credentials.

“With 90 percent of the National Assembly and over 30 governors under your control, what exactly are you afraid of?” he asked.

“If you have truly performed, why fear a free and fair contest? Why destroy opposition parties?”

CALL FOR INEC CHAIRMAN’S RESIGNATION

Escalating the stakes, Mark demanded the immediate resignation or removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, along with all national commissioners, declaring them unfit to conduct credible elections.

“We no longer have confidence in them,” he said. “They have proven incapable of neutrality.”

He also warned that INEC would be held responsible for any fallout from its actions, describing the commission’s conduct as “a criminal path.”

FEARS FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Mark warned that INEC’s decision could undermine the ADC’s participation in upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as disrupt the party’s internal congresses scheduled to begin April 9.

Despite this, he vowed the party would proceed with its programmes, insisting that INEC’s presence was not legally required.

GLOBAL ALARM AND CALL TO ACTION

Taking the battle beyond Nigeria’s borders, Mark called on the international community to take note of what he described as a “clear threat” to Nigeria’s democracy and to hold those responsible accountable.

He also urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to impose a one-party state.

“This is a defining moment,” he said. “Stand firm. Speak out. Defend democracy.”

‘NIGERIA WILL NOT BE SILENCED’

Ending on a defiant note, Mark framed the crisis as a historic struggle between freedom and tyranny.

“No matter how long the night, the morning will come,” he declared.

“Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered.”