ADC Submits Official Letter Demanding Immediate Resignation Of INEC Chairman Amupitan Over Bias And Judicial Overreach
The African Democratic Congress has submitted an official letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) calling for the immediate resignation or removal of its chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan.
The letter, dated 8 April 2026 and stamped as received by INEC on the same day, accuses the commission’s leadership of partisan conduct, gross misconduct and constitutional breach.
It claims these actions pose a threat to multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
The demand comes as thousands of people gather at INEC headquarters in Abuja for the #OccupyINEC protest.
Opposition figures including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal and David Mark have joined the demonstration.
Protesters marched from Maitama Roundabout to the commission’s office, carrying placards and chanting slogans against what they see as moves to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some speakers at the event said the actions risk turning the country into a one-party state.
The ADC letter states that INEC is not a court of law and should not interpret court judgments.
The party argues that only the judiciary has the power to do so.
It claims recent statements and decisions by the chairman show a lack of neutrality.
This follows INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
The commission removed the names of Mark as national chairman, Aregbesola as national secretary and other members of the national working committee from its portal.
It cited court orders in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
In the letter, the ADC says the commission has overstepped its role by taking sides in the internal matter.
The party insists it will go ahead with its planned convention and activities.
Prof. Amupitan has previously defended the commission’s position.
In recent comments, he explained that INEC acted to maintain the status quo before the leadership conflict began, based on available court directives.
The protest and the letter mark a sharp escalation in tensions between the opposition coalition and the electoral body.
Leaders at the demonstration described it as a peaceful effort to protect democratic space and ensure fair elections in the future.
Security personnel were present around the INEC headquarters as the crowd gathered, with some reports of rain during the march.
The situation remained calm as protesters continued to press their demands.
The ADC has warned that continued actions of this nature could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
It has called on all national commissioners to step down alongside the chairman.
This development comes months after Prof. Amupitan assumed office as INEC chairman in late 2025.
The commission has faced questions from various opposition groups about its handling of party matters.
As the protest continued into the afternoon, participants said they would stay until their voices are heard.
The ADC letter has now been formally lodged with INEC, and the party says it expects a response to its demands.
