The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has expressed deep concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, declaring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lost public trust.
Speaking at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Mark warned that the integrity of the country’s democracy is under threat due to what he described as the declining neutrality of the electoral body.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as I conclude, let me use this opportunity to emphasise once again that the credibility of our democracy rests on the neutrality and integrity of its electoral institutions,” he said.
Drawing a vivid analogy, the former Senate President questioned INEC’s impartiality in the conduct of elections.
“When the referee clearly and proudly wears the jersey of one of the teams in a match he should be officiating, then the legitimacy of the entire process is undermined. In this instance, Nigerians have lost confidence in the electoral body, INEC. INEC is no longer an impartial umpire.”
Mark further cautioned that failure to restore confidence in the electoral system could have grave consequences for the nation’s democratic future.
“And if nothing changes, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is about to preside over the most distrusted election in Nigerian history. The consequences are better left to imagination.”
He also called on leaders of opposition parties to remain united and committed to national interest above personal ambitions.
“Leaders of our parties, let it be said loud and clear that at a defining moment in our history, when Nigeria stood at the edge of uncertainty, we did not falter. We did not allow personal ambition to override the desire of Nigerians for a better life. We did not collapse under the temptation of petty partisanship or self-satisfying ambitions. Instead, we chose unity over division, sacrifice over self, and country above all.”
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