Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Okey Nwosu, has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to withdraw recognition from the leadership of David Mark, describing the action as unprecedented and damaging to democratic processes.
Nwosu made the remarks during an interview from 1:14 on Arise Television on Thursday, April 2, 2026, where he reflected on his experience with party administration and electoral processes spanning nearly two decades. He said, “This is the most irresponsible activity that I’ve seen INEC do. I have worked within the party processes, party leadership and INEC for almost 20 years and INEC has never done something this scandalous.”
Detailing the process that led to the emergence of the new leadership, Nwosu stated, “All the processes that brought about David Mark and Aregbeshola and the new leadership, INEC members were there, they witnessed all the processes, they were part of it and they were helpful also because before we did anything, we went to them, this is what we want to do, they will advise because they wanted all the parties to succeed.”
According to him, multiple consultations were held prior to the transition. “And we held more than five meetings within eight months before finally the NWC then was dissolved and David Mark and Aregbeshola and his team were elected to handle the parties affair,” he said.
Nwosu also referenced the involvement of Nafiu Bala, noting his participation throughout the process: “And Nafiu Bala was one of the prominent people, he came for almost, he came for all the meetings, he came for all the meetings and then he was one of the persons who were particularly helpful to me because even in marketing ADC, he went across the northeast and the northwest to talk to some leaders about why it should be ADC for the coalition.”
He expressed concern over subsequent legal actions, stating, “So, when he began to, and he was there, when we concluded the process, we got these people elected to take charge by July 29th. July 29th. Then all of a sudden, I mean, for him to go to court by September 2nd to start seeking that, you know, this will happen or that will happen, looked very ridiculous to us and so on.”
Nwosu further raised broader concerns about institutional integrity. “So, I’m not concerned about Bala, but I’m more concerned about how we are trying to degrade our institutions and then the presidency’s hand in it, trying to bring down the democracy,” he said.
He concluded by alleging external pressures during the leadership process: “What I can tell you, when it’s at play, because I experienced it when I, during the processes that brought about David Mark, people have followed me to almost all corners, thinking that, you know, I can assist them in ensuring that there is no party standing.” Read_More…