The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate restoration of the party’s leadership as recognised in 2025, or face nationwide protests across the country.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja, the National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused INEC of undermining democratic principles and exceeding its constitutional mandate.
Rufa’i described the current political climate as one of “democratic siege,” alleging that institutions established to protect the will of Nigerians were being compromised and manipulated for partisan ends.
He explained that the leadership crisis stemmed from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, during which the party’s National Working Committee was dissolved and a new leadership—led by former Senate President David Mark—was constituted.
According to him, INEC initially verified and officially recognised the outcome in September 2025 without objection.
However, he alleged that months later, individuals who had previously resigned returned to challenge the process, despite lacking legal standing.
“Despite a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the last uncontested position, INEC ignored the order and instead relied on pending motions and non-binding communications,” Rufa’i said.
He further accused the electoral body of lacking the constitutional authority to interpret court rulings, describing its actions as “complicity, partisanship, and institutional sabotage.”
The ADC youth leader called on the National Assembly to intervene urgently and investigate INEC’s conduct, including considering sanctions such as the possible removal of the commission’s chairman.
He also urged the judiciary to provide clearer interpretations of its orders to prevent what he termed institutional manipulation.
Rufa’i, however, appealed to the military to remain neutral, stressing that the matter was strictly a constitutional and civil issue that must be resolved within democratic processes.
Reaffirming the party’s position, he insisted that
the leadership produced at the July 2025 NEC meeting remains the only legitimate authority within the ADC, warning that any attempt to alter it without a final court judgment would be “illegal, null and void.”
The group’s demands include the immediate reinstatement of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official portal, a public apology from the commission, and a commitment to uphold neutrality and the rule of law.
Rufa’i also cautioned the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu against actions that could weaken opposition parties, warning that such moves pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He warned that failure to comply within the 72-hour deadline would trigger peaceful but nationwide protests, including the occupation of INEC offices across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“We will not retreat, we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. This is bigger than ADC. This is about Nigeria,” he declared.
The development comes days after INEC reportedly derecognised the ADC leadership over an ongoing court dispute.
The commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, had earlier warned that the party’s planned congresses and conventions could affect its participation in the 2027 general elections.
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