ADC Chairman Challenges President Tinubu Over "Suppression" of Opposition Parties

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has raised concerns over what he described as actions targeting opposition parties, questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on democratic competition.

Mark made the remarks on Thursday during an ADC press conference held at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The briefing followed a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove him and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s national chairman and national secretary, respectively.

Addressing Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, Mark expressed concern about the current political climate, warning that recent developments could have implications for the country’s democratic system. He questioned the necessity of actions that, in his view, may weaken opposition participation in elections.

Referring directly to the President, Mark noted that the ruling party controls a significant majority in government, including most members of the National Assembly and over 30 of Nigeria’s 36 state governors. He asked why, under such circumstances, there would be any apprehension about open electoral competition.

Mark further challenged the administration to uphold democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections. He also questioned the President’s commitment to democracy, alleging that ongoing actions could undermine opposition parties.

INEC, in its earlier decision, stated that the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from its official records was based on its interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling concerning the ADC’s internal leadership dispute.

The development has continued to draw reactions from various stakeholders across Nigeria’s political landscape.