…ADC demands INEC Chairman resignation at a time when political realignments and electoral reforms are dominating national discourse.
Abuja, Nigeria — The iNews Times | The ADC demands INEC Chairman resignation has formally escalated the political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, declared that the party had completely lost confidence in the current leadership of the electoral body, insisting that the commission, under Amupitan, lacks the capacity to conduct a credible election in 2027.
The iNews Times reports that the demand marks one of the strongest public criticisms yet directed at INEC leadership by a major opposition party as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next general polls.
“Resign or Be Sacked” — ADC’s Strong Position
Addressing journalists at the press briefing, Senator Mark did not mince words. He said the ADC demands INEC Chairman resignation because the party believes the current leadership has demonstrated incompetence and bias that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
“We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC chairman,” Mark stated firmly.
He went further to call on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action if Professor Amupitan fails to step down voluntarily.
“We call on Professor Amupitan and all his national commissioners to resign immediately. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” he added.
The statement reflects deepening mistrust between opposition parties and the electoral umpire, a development that could shape political narratives in the months leading to 2027.
Growing Political Tension
The ADC demands INEC Chairman resignation at a time when political realignments, internal party disputes, and electoral reforms are dominating national discourse.
Although Senator Mark did not provide detailed instances of alleged misconduct during the press conference, his remarks suggest the party believes there are systemic concerns within the commission that could compromise transparency and fairness.
Political observers say such public calls for the resignation of the electoral umpire are rare and signal heightened anxiety within opposition circles.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, issues of electoral credibility, transparency in vote collation, technological deployment, and judicial interventions are expected to dominate conversations across party lines.
Pressure on the Presidency
By urging President Bola Tinubu to sack the INEC chairman if he refuses to resign, the ADC has placed the matter squarely in the political arena.
While INEC is constitutionally expected to operate independently, the appointment and removal of its leadership involve executive and legislative processes, making the situation politically sensitive.
The iNews Times understands that any move to remove the INEC chairman would require adherence to constitutional provisions, including National Assembly involvement.
However, the ADC’s call signals that the party intends to sustain pressure on both the commission and the presidency.
Implications for 2027 Elections
The ADC demands INEC Chairman resignation largely on the grounds that the current leadership cannot be trusted to conduct a “credible election” in 2027.
Credibility in Nigerian elections has historically been a contentious issue, with disputes often ending in election tribunals and appellate courts.
For many Nigerians, confidence in INEC remains central to democratic stability. Any perception of bias or incompetence could heighten political tensions and voter apathy.
If opposition parties continue to question the neutrality of the electoral body, it could influence public trust and participation in the upcoming polls.
Political analysts warn that prolonged disputes between parties and the electoral umpire could lead to intensified legal battles even before ballots are cast.
ADC’s Confidence Crisis Declaration
At the heart of the press conference was a declaration of total loss of confidence.
Senator Mark emphasized that the ADC no longer believes the current INEC leadership can guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections.
“We no longer have confidence in them,” he reiterated.
Such language signals a breakdown in trust between the party and the commission, a serious development in any democratic setting.
While the INEC chairman and national commissioners have yet to respond to the ADC’s allegations, the issue is likely to dominate political discussions in the coming days.
What Happens Next?
With the ADC demands INEC Chairman resignation now officially on record, attention will turn to possible reactions from, the INEC, the Presidency, other opposition and ruling parties, civil society organisations.
If other political parties align with the ADC’s position, the pressure could intensify.
However, if the call is seen as partisan rhetoric, it may remain a political statement without immediate constitutional consequences.
Democracy Under Scrutiny
Nigeria’s democratic journey has witnessed recurring debates about electoral reforms and institutional independence.
From voter accreditation systems to electronic transmission of results, every election cycle introduces new reforms and new controversies.
The ADC’s demand reflects broader anxieties within opposition politics about the fairness of the electoral playing field.
As the nation gradually shifts focus toward 2027, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how INEC responds to these allegations and whether confidence in the electoral system can be strengthened rather than eroded.
Awaiting Official Response
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official reaction from Professor Joash Amupitan or the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding the ADC’s demand.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the story unfolds.
For now, the ADC demands INEC Chairman resignation has injected fresh momentum into political conversations nationwide, underscoring the high stakes and intense scrutiny that will define Nigeria’s path to the 2027 general elections.
