Dino Melaye Accuses INEC Of Bias Following Delisting Of David Mark From ADC Leadership Register

Senator Dino Melaye accuses INEC of bias following the delisting of David Mark from the ADC leadership. Opposition leaders Atiku and Obi join Abuja protests.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 3:27 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

Melaye Criticizes Electoral Body Over Alleged Partiality

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the agency of systemic bias and misinterpreting court mandates. In a public statement shared via social media on April 9, 2026, Melaye claimed that the commission's recent actions have fundamentally undermined public trust in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. He specifically alleged that INEC has shed its neutrality to function as an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for the immediate resignation or removal of the commission’s leadership to salvage the integrity of the electoral process.

Protest At INEC Headquarters Over ADC Delisting

The criticism coincides with a massive demonstration at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. The protest was sparked by the commission's decision to remove the names of Senator David Mark—the ADC's factional Interim National Chairman—and other key leaders, including Rauf Aregbesola, from its official party register. Melaye’s shift to the ADC in late 2025, following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has seen him become a vocal advocate for the party, which has recently emerged as a primary hub for opposition realignment.

High Profile Opposition Figures Join #OccupyINEC Movement

The demonstration at the electoral headquarters saw an unprecedented gathering of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures. Joining David Mark in the protest were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP, along with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The coalition of leaders, representing a broad spectrum of opposition interests, united to condemn what they described as the "weaponization" of regulatory powers to weaken viable alternative parties. While the group demanded the immediate reinstatement of the Mark-led executive, some figures, like Omoyele Sowore, opted not to join the physical protest despite sharing similar grievances.