The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate restoration of the party’s leadership as recognised in 2025 or face nationwide civic action.
The group warned that failure by the electoral body to comply could trigger peaceful protests across the country, including the occupation of INEC offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused INEC of acting outside its constitutional mandate and undermining democratic institutions.
Insert (Quote): “Nigeria is under democratic siege,” Rufa’i said, alleging that institutions meant to safeguard the will of the people were being compromised.
Rufa’i traced the leadership dispute to a National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, where the party dissolved its National Working Committee and elected a new leadership led by former Senate President, David Mark.
He noted that INEC initially verified and recognised the outcome of the meeting in September 2025.
Insert (Quote): “Months later, individuals who had already resigned resurfaced to challenge a process they had no legal standing in.”
The youth leader further alleged that despite a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the last uncontested position, INEC ignored the order and acted on pending motions.
The ADC youth wing also called on the National Assembly to investigate the commission’s actions and consider sanctions, including the possible removal of the INEC chairman. Rufa’i urged the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent what he described as manipulation of the legal process.
He maintained that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to interpret court rulings, describing the commission’s actions as “complicity, partisanship, and institutional sabotage.”
Insert: The group is demanding the immediate restoration of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official portal, a public apology from the commission, and a renewed commitment to neutrality and the rule of law.
Rufa’i also called on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to avoid actions that could weaken opposition parties.
He warned that failure to comply within 72 hours would result in nationwide peaceful demonstrations.
Insert (Quote): “We will not retreat, we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. This is bigger than ADC. This is about Nigeria.”
The development comes days after INEC reportedly derecognised the leadership of the ADC due to a pending court dispute over the party’s structure.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had earlier warned that proceeding with planned congresses and a national convention while the matter remains in court could affect the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
