#OccupyINEC: ADC Lists 6 Demands, Threatens Legal Action Against INEC

Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday stormed the streets of Abuja in a protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of actions they described as harmful to Nigeria’s democracy.

The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew top political figures and party loyalists who gathered at the Maitama Roundabout to register their grievances.

Among those present were former Senate President, Senator David Mark; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi; former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso; and ex-Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye. Their presence gave weight to the protest, which quickly gained public attention.

At the centre of the protest was a strong demand by the ADC for the resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN. The party accused him of partisanship, constitutional violations, and interfering in the internal affairs of the party.

Addressing the crowd, ADC leaders said the commission’s recent actions had raised serious concerns about its neutrality. They argued that the chairman had stepped beyond his constitutional duties, especially in matters relating to internal party disputes.

“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party said in a statement directed at the INEC chairman.

The party stressed that the controversy stemmed from what it described as the chairman’s attempt to publicly interpret court rulings.

According to ADC, such responsibility belongs strictly to the judiciary and not the electoral body.

“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party stated.

ADC further claimed that recent communications from INEC to the party had deepened suspicion that the commission might no longer be acting as an unbiased umpire. The party warned that such actions could weaken public trust in the electoral process.

“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.

Providing background to its claims, ADC leaders pointed to a series of decisions taken in 2025, including National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that produced the current leadership under Senator David Mark.

They maintained that the processes were transparent and monitored by INEC officials without objections at the time.

According to the party, the outcomes of those meetings were officially communicated to INEC, which acknowledged and updated its records accordingly. The party added that the commission had also confirmed the legitimacy of the process in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court.

However, ADC alleged that there were now attempts to pressure officials to reverse their earlier positions.

“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda you have decided to pursue. This is, indeed, unconscionable,” the party said.

While acknowledging the efforts of some officials within INEC, the party insisted that the actions of the chairman had damaged the image of the commission and eroded public confidence.

“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the commission into disrepute,” it added.

The ADC then rolled out a list of six demands it expects the commission to meet. These include the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman, withdrawal of what it described as “offensive” correspondence sent to the party, and a formal apology from the commission.

The party also demanded a clear commitment from INEC to avoid interference in the internal affairs of political parties. It warned that failure to comply would trigger both legal and civic actions.

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability,” the party stated.

It added that judicial proceedings and coordinated civic mobilisation were already being considered as part of its next steps.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the party said.