ADC says Tinubu pushing Nigeria toward ‘Emerging Dictatorship’

In a powerful and urgent address, Senator David Mark, the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a stark warning that Nigeria’s hard-won democracy is under severe threat.

Speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja on April 2, 2026, Mark accused the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating a “relentless assault” on fundamental freedoms, pushing the nation towards an “emerging dictatorship.”

Mark’s impassioned plea comes amidst growing concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria, nearly three decades after the country transitioned from military rule.

He lamented that the promise of a robust democracy, sustained by the freedoms to choose, participate, and associate, is being systematically dismantled.

“Our experience in the past three years
or so since President Bola Tinubu came to power has however confirmed otherwise,” Mark stated, highlighting a perceived erosion of democratic principles.

The ADC Chairman directly linked the nation’s deepening poverty and worsening security situation to the failures of the current government.
He asserted that these challenges are
not accidental but direct consequences of a regime desperate to cling to power. “They know that Nigerians will not want this to continue. They know Nigerians will vote them out.

*This is why they would do anything to hang on to power by hook or crook,” Mark declared, suggesting deliberate strategy to eliminate political opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Genesis of a Coalition and a Legal Battle

The ADC, a coalition of opposition parties, was formed out of a collective desire to resist what they saw as an attack on opposition political parties and to safeguard multi-party democracy.
Senator Mark affirmed that the coalition meticulously adhered to all constitutional and legal requirements, culminating in a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025.

This meeting, monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, led to the dissolution of the previous National Working Committee, the ratification of a caretaker committee, with David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

However, the legitimacy of this new leadership has been challenged by Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman who had resigned his position on May 17, 2025.
Despite his resignation being communicated to INEC, Bala approached the courts on September 2, 2025, seeking recognition as the ADC Chairman.

This move, Mark argued, was made well
after INEC had acknowledged the new leadership and Bala’s own resignation.

INEC’s Controversial Intervention

The legal tussle escalated to the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties, including INEC, to maintain the “status quo ante bellum.”
Yet, to the surprise and dismay of the ADC leadership, INEC issued a press statement on April 1, 2026, announcing its decision to withdraw recognition for both the Mark-led ADC leadership and the “fictitious” faction purportedly led by Nafiu Bala.

Mark vehemently criticized this action, calling it a “curious interpretation” of the court’s order and a clear indication of INEC’s partisanship.

“By purporting to recognizing Nafiu Bala as a faction, INEC seems to have conveniently forgotten that this individual resigned his position, to the knowledge of INEC itself,” Mark stated, highlighting the electoral body’s apparent contradiction.
He further argued that INEC’s action created a non-existent status quo, leaving the ADC without a recognized
leadership, a situation he believes is unlawful and in contempt of the Court of Appeal.

A Call to Action: Defending Democracy

Senator Mark did not mince words in his condemnation of INEC, asserting that the electoral umpire has “taken sides” and “can no longer be trusted.”

He directly implicated the ruling party, suggesting that Nafiu Bala and his lawyers are “willing tools in the hands of a ruling party that had lost all support and goodwill of the Nigerian people.”
The ADC Chairman framed the current crisis not merely as an attack on his party, but as a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the fundamental rights of its citizens.

He positioned the ADC as the “last bastion” against a “full-blown dictatorship” and called upon Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as well as the international community, to recognize the gravity of the situation.

Mark challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directly, questioning his fear of a free and fair electoral contest given the ruling party’s significant majority in the National Assembly and among state governors.
He reiterated that the leadership inaugurated on July 29, 2025, remains the lawful leadership of the ADC and urged party members to remain calm.

Demands and Warnings

The ADC has put forth clear demands: the immediate resignation or sack of INEC Chairman Professor Amupitan and all National Commissioners, citing a complete loss of confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections.

Mark also issued a stern warning, holding INEC.directly responsible for any consequences arising from its “criminal path.”
Despite INEC’s actions, the ADC affirmed its commitment to proceeding with its party.programs, including congresses starting on April 9, 2026, and convention on April 14, 2026, asserting that INEC’s attendance is not a mandatory legal requirement.

In a powerful closing statement, Senator Mark invoked the spirit of democratic resilience: “It is often said, that the arc of history does not bend towards tyranny. It bends towards freedom. And no matter how long the night may seem, the morning will come.”

He concluded with a defiant message: “Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered. Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising.” The battle for Nigeria’s democratic future, it seems, has just begun.