Dino Melaye Denounces INEC Decision to Delist David Mark as African Democratic Congress Chairman

Dino Melaye faults INEC for removing David Mark as ADC chairman, alleging a biased court interpretation aimed at destabilizing the opposition party.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 11:17 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Channels Television

Allegations of Jankara Interpretation Against INEC

Former Senator Dino Melaye has launched a scathing critique of the Independent National Electoral Commission following its decision to withdraw recognition from David Mark as the chairman of the African Democratic Congress. During a televised interview on Thursday, Melaye described the commission's actions as a "jankara interpretation" of the law, suggesting that the regulatory body has intentionally twisted a court ruling to serve a specific political agenda. He argued that the timing of the delisting is particularly damaging as the party is currently in the middle of member registration and preparing for essential congresses.

Legal Action and Criminalization of Officials

In response to the commission's announcement, Melaye disclosed that the ADC has already initiated legal proceedings and is prepared to file additional suits. He went further to state that the party intends to seek the criminalization of the activities of specific INEC officials involved in the decision. Melaye contended that the commission’s move represents a complete disobedience of existing court orders and a fundamental failure of the institution to remain a neutral arbiter in the Nigerian democratic process.

Claims of Partisanship and Faulty Documentation

The ADC chieftain alleged that the commission has taken sides by acting on a letter from an individual he claims is no longer a member of the party. Melaye identified Nafiu Gombe as having voluntarily resigned from his position as deputy national chairman on May 17, 2025. He asserted that the party possesses certified copies of this resignation, which was reportedly communicated to and acknowledged by the commission in October 2025. According to Melaye, the fact that the commission is now basing its regulatory decisions on input from a resigned official is evidence of institutional bias.