Olusegun ARIYO
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Benue State have strongly opposed the move by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership under Senator David Mark, describing the action as unacceptable and politically motivated.
The party’s stakeholders, who gathered in Otukpo on Thursday, April 2, 2026, accused INEC of bias, alleging that the commission is aligning with the ruling party in a bid to weaken opposition voices and push Nigeria towards a one-party system. They vowed to challenge the decision through lawful means while proceeding with their planned convention.
At the meeting, former Speaker Pro-tem of the House of Representatives, Terngu Tsegba, alleged that the electoral body is acting in collaboration with the current administration to suppress opposition parties. He insisted that no level of interference would stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections.
Tsegba further claimed that INEC’s decision was driven by concerns over the party’s growing popularity across the country. According to him, the ADC has recorded a surge in membership in recent days, which he said reflects rising dissatisfaction among Nigerians with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
He added that the party leadership has already begun efforts to overturn what he described as a questionable and hurried decision by the commission.
Also addressing party supporters, the wife of the ADC National Chairman, Helen Onma Mark, urged members to remain calm and not lose hope, assuring them that the national leadership is actively handling the situation.
“Their evil plan will not stand. Our National Chairman and other prominent leaders of our party are already taking action in Abuja, and that is why our National Chairman is not here with us at the moment. Don’t be disturbed by what is happening, as it will not stand”, she said.
Governorship aspirants, Dr Peter Adejo and Joseph Waya, also criticised INEC’s action, telling supporters that the development signals fear of defeat by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, House of Representatives aspirants, including Solomon Eigege, Akpoda, Innocent Omudu and Adoyi Ojogbane, maintained that the situation would not derail their political ambitions, pledging to intensify mobilisation efforts across the state.https://urbanexpresslive.com/allocation-dispute-osun-apc-slams-pdp-lawmakers-for-what-it-termed-disregard-of-court-ruling/
In his remarks, Sir John Ngbede encouraged party members to sustain momentum by returning to their various local government areas to strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of forthcoming congresses.https://urbanexpresslive.com/benfica-vs-real-madrid-you-have-taken-wrong-direction-for-justifying-racial-abuse-seedorf-on-mourinho/
Former lawmaker representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Samson Okwu, dismissed the development as inconsequential, likening it to an “April Fool” and insisting that despite its dominance, the APC is uneasy about the ADC’s rising influence.https://urbanexpresslive.com/epl-why-gary-neville-gives-arsenal-only-condition-to-win-title-ahead-of-man-city/
A senatorial hopeful, David Olofu, warned against any actions capable of undermining democracy, stating that Nigerians would resist attempts to reverse democratic gains.
Delivering a message on behalf of Senator David Mark, Peter Ede reaffirmed that the party’s leadership structure remains intact, stressing that Mark is still recognised as the ADC National Chairman despite INEC’s position.
