Concerns Raised Over Threats to Democracy in Nigeria
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have expressed alarm over what they describe as a systematic effort to establish a one-party state in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections. They are accusing President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suppress opposition parties.
ADC National Chairman David Mark, alongside notable political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rotimi Amaechi, has called for the removal of INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ampitan. They allege that his actions have paved the way for a political environment that favors the ruling party.
In a statement delivered by Mark at the Yar’Adua Center in Abuja, party leaders demanded the immediate resignation of Ampitan, citing accusations of bias and misconduct. They claim he is not equipped to oversee free and credible elections in 2027.
Recent developments have added to the tension, as INEC announced the exclusion of key ADC figures, including Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, from its official website. INEC, represented by its National Chairman and the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Mohammed Haruna, explained that this action was based on a court order mandating the commission to maintain the status quo amid ongoing leadership disputes.
Mark and his colleagues expressed deep concern over a series of attacks on fundamental democratic principles, specifically the right to free association. They assert that the government’s objective is to ensure that President Tinubu becomes the sole viable candidate for the electorate by 2027, despite the mounting challenges facing the Nigerian populace.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Mark criticized the government’s tactics for creating a political landscape where deepening poverty and rampant insecurity are conveniently overlooked. He highlighted the apparent intent to monopolize power: “They know that Nigerians will vote them out, so they will stop at nothing to cling to power,” he asserted.
In his remarks, Mark insisted that secure leadership within the ADC had been established following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting supervised by INEC officials. He reaffirmed the legitimacy of the newly appointed leadership through documented resolutions, directly challenging INEC’s recently contested actions. Mark accused INEC of undermining Nigeria’s democratic framework, arguing that the commission does not have the authority to dictate party leadership and called for Ampitan’s resignation along with that of all national commissioners.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has echoed these concerns, with spokesperson Ini Emembong warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at significant risk. He pointed to recent politically charged actions that seem to manipulate the democratic process in favor of the ruling APC. Emembong underscored the dangerous implications of INEC’s decisions, asserting that they further exacerbate an already volatile political climate.
