Opposition Leaders Demand INEC Chairman Resignation Over Alleged One Party State Plot and Leadership Delisting

ADC leaders and opposition figures demand the removal of INEC's Joash Amupitan. Allegations of a one party state plot emerge following leadership de-listing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 3:11 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAYLIVE

Opposition Unites Against Electoral Commission Leadership

The Nigerian political landscape reached a fever pitch as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) formally demanded the removal of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan. During a high profile gathering at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, National Chairman David Mark alleged that the commission is orchestrating a scheme to facilitate a one party state in favor of the ruling APC. This coordinated outcry from the opposition suggests a deepening rift between the electoral umpire and minority parties, who claim that the independence of the institution has been fundamentally compromised ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Interpretation of Status Quo Sparks Administrative Crisis

At the heart of the conflict is a procedural decision by INEC to remove the names of David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal. The commission cited a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum regarding a leadership tussle that has plagued the ADC since 2025. However, ADC leadership argues that the commission has intentionally misinterpreted the legal term to invalidate a duly constituted executive. By reverting the leadership records to a state of vacancy or contested authority, the opposition claims INEC is effectively paralyzing the party's ability to function during critical election cycles.

Allegations of Executive Pressure and Pre-Signed Resignations

Adding a layer of severe controversy to the dispute, Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu has alleged that the presidency holds a pre-signed resignation letter from Chairman Amupitan. According to Odinkalu, this document was a condition of his appointment and was used as leverage to force the recent de-listing of the ADC leadership. While these claims remain unverified by the government, they have fueled a narrative of executive interference within the electoral body. The suggestion that the chairman’s tenure is subject to the pleasure of the presidency rather than constitutional safeguards has become a central pillar of the opposition’s demand for a total overhaul of the commission.