INEC Derecognizes ADC Leadership and Launches Voter Revalidation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognized Senator David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This action follows a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation between Mark and rival faction leader Nafiu Bala Gombe. INEC stated it will cease accepting correspondences from both factions until a Federal High Court case is resolved.

The move sparked nationwide protests and accusations of government interference. Bolaji Abdullahi of the ADC alleged the commission bowed to pressure to weaken the opposition. David Mark questioned why the administration is "bent on destroying all opposition political parties?" Conversely, the All Progressives Congress defended the decision as legally valid and consistent with democratic practice.

Simultaneously, INEC launched a nationwide voter revalidation exercise to prepare for the 2027 general elections. The commission described the initiative as a routine administrative audit to address deceased voters and multiple registrations. However, the Kwankwasiyya Movement condemned the exercise as a "systemic trap" to suppress turnout and demanded the immediate resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Ojo Amupitan, citing judicial confusion and a loss of public trust.

INEC rejected the calls for Amupitan's resignation, labeling them unconstitutional attacks on the body's independence. The commission maintained its neutrality while prioritizing upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun scheduled for June and August 2026.