A leading Nigerian opposition party has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using the country’s electoral body to “destroy” political rivals and engineer a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections.

At a heated press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded the immediate resignation of the electoral chief, Professor Joash Amupitan, following a decision to “delist” the party’s top leadership.

The move has effectively decapitated the party, which recently emerged as a primary vehicle for a “Mega-Party” alliance featuring political heavyweights such as former Senate President David Mark and former minister Rauf Aregbesola.

‘A status quo that never existed’

The crisis erupted after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would no longer recognise David Mark as Chairman or Mr Aregbesola as Secretary. INEC claims it is merely following a court order to maintain the “status quo” amidst a leadership dispute.

However, Mr. Mark told reporters at the Yar’Adua Centre that INEC has “invented” a legal reality to suit a political agenda. “INEC is pretending to be confused,” Mr. Mark said. “By its own curious logic, it has left the ADC without leadership… this is an INEC invention not known to any Nigerian law.”

Analysis: The road to 2027

The stakes for this legal battle are immense. The ADC argues that the ruling APC is terrified of a fair contest in 2027 due to widespread economic hardship and escalating insecurity.

By freezing the ADC’s leadership now, the government effectively:

• Sabotages upcoming votes: The party says its participation in the Osun and Ekiti state elections later this year is now in jeopardy.
• Blocks internal democracy: The ADC was due to hold its national convention on 14 April 2026. Without INEC’s recognition, the legality of any new candidates or internal votes will be challenged in court.

“The agenda is clear,” Mr. Mark alleged. “To create a situation where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people.”

A crisis of credibility

This is a significant blow to the credibility of Professor Amupitan, who was appointed to clean up Nigeria’s electoral process. The ADC’s call for his sack—and that of all national commissioners—signals a total breakdown in trust between the regulator and the regulated.

While the presidency has consistently denied interfering in party affairs, the sight of a major opposition hub being legally dismantled just as it gains momentum will heighten fears among international observers about the shrinking space for dissent in Africa’s largest democracy.

The ADC leadership says it will proceed with its April convention regardless of INEC’s stance, setting the stage for a constitutional showdown that could end up in Nigeria’s Supreme Court.