The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State on Thursday, April 2, 2026, strongly condemned the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognise the party’s leadership under Senator David Mark.
Addressing party faithful at a gathering in Otukpo, ADC leaders described INEC’s action as partisan and politically motivated, alleging that the electoral body was acting in collaboration with the ruling party to entrench a one-party system in Nigeria.
They, however, vowed to resist the move through lawful means and proceed with their planned convention without interruption.
Former Speaker Pro-Tempore of the House of Representatives, Hon. Terngu Tsegba, accused INEC of working in tandem with the government to weaken opposition parties. He insisted that no amount of alleged manipulation would prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections.
Tsegba further claimed that INEC’s decision was driven by fear of the ADC’s growing popularity, noting that the party had witnessed a significant surge in membership in recent days—an indication, he said, of increasing public dissatisfaction with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He alleged that concerns over a possible electoral defeat had prompted those in power to influence INEC’s actions, adding that the party’s leadership was already taking steps to challenge and reverse what he described as a “midnight decision.”
Also speaking, Chief (Mrs.) Helen Onma Mark, wife of the ADC National Chairman, urged party members not to be discouraged, assuring them that the national leadership was actively addressing the situation.
“Their plan will not stand. Our National Chairman and other prominent leaders are already taking action in Abuja. That is why he is not here with us today. There is no cause for alarm,” she said.
Governorship aspirants, Dr. Peter Adejo and Mr. Joseph Waya, also condemned INEC’s action, describing it as a sign of desperation by the ruling party in the face of an impending defeat.
Similarly, House of Representatives hopefuls, including Solomon Eigege, Akpoda, Innocent Omudu, and Adoyi Ojogbane, maintained that the development would not deter their mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections. They pledged to intensify grassroots engagement and work towards unseating the current administration.
Sir John Ngbede called on members to remain steadfast and return to their respective local government areas to strengthen mobilisation efforts ahead of upcoming party congresses.
Former lawmaker representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Hon. Samson Okwu, dismissed the development as inconsequential, likening it to an “April Fool,” while insisting that the ruling party remained uneasy over the ADC’s rising influence despite its control of several states.
In his remarks, senatorial aspirant David Olofu cautioned against any attempt to undermine democratic principles, warning that Nigerians would resist any effort to reverse democratic gains.
Delivering a message on behalf of Senator David Mark, Mr. Peter Ede reiterated that the status quo remains unchanged, affirming that Mark is still the party’s National Chairman and questioning INEC’s neutrality.
The gathering concluded with a renewed sense of determination among party members, who pledged to remain united and committed, expressing confidence that no force could derail their preparations for the 2027 general elections.
