Embattled National Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating what he described as a relentless assault on Nigeria’s democracy since assuming office.
Speaking at a press conference monitored by The News Chronicle, the former Senate President slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the controversial delisting of the ADC, insisting the electoral body had previously recognised his leadership of the party.
Mark alleged that the move was a calculated attempt to cripple the opposition.
“ADC has become the only viable opposition in Nigeria, and this government clearly does not want that,” he stressed.
He expressed shock at INEC’s decision to delist the party while recognising a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala, describing the action as not only politically motivated but also in defiance of a subsisting Court of Appeal ruling.
Mark directly challenged the President, questioning the administration’s democratic credentials.
“With over 30 governors and a majority of lawmakers are already in your party, and you believe Nigerians support you, what are you afraid of? If you are truly a democrat, why are you bent on destroying the opposition?” he queried.
Warning against what he called a dangerous drift towards a one-party state, Mark urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to stifle democratic plurality.
The high-stakes briefing drew a coalition of political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, among other prominent figures.
