The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has handed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a 72-hour ultimatum, demanding the reinstatement of the party’s leadership as recognized in 2025 or risk nationwide peaceful protests.
Speaking on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused INEC of undermining democracy and overstepping its constitutional role.
Rufa’i claimed Nigeria is “under democratic siege,” alleging that key institutions meant to protect the people’s will are being compromised and used against democratic values.
He explained that the leadership crisis began after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025, where a new leadership led by David Mark emerged after the dissolution of the National Working Committee. According to him, INEC had initially validated and recognized this leadership in September 2025.
“Months later, individuals who had already resigned resurfaced to challenge a process they had no legal standing in,” Rufa’i said.
He further alleged that despite a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the last uncontested status, INEC ignored the ruling and instead acted on pending motions and non-binding communications.
Describing INEC’s actions as “complicity, partisanship, and institutional sabotage,” Rufa’i insisted the commission has no authority to interpret court judgments.
He called on the National Assembly to investigate the situation and consider sanctions, including the possible removal of the INEC Chairman. He also urged the judiciary to clarify its rulings to prevent misinterpretation.
Rufa’i appealed to the military to remain neutral, stressing that the issue is purely constitutional and civil.
Reaffirming the party’s position, he maintained that the leadership from the July 2025 NEC meeting remains the only legitimate authority, warning that any alteration without a final court ruling would be “illegal, null, and void.”
Among the demands listed were the immediate restoration of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s portal, a public apology, and a commitment to neutrality.
He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to avoid actions that could weaken opposition parties, warning such moves could endanger Nigeria’s democracy.
Rufa’i warned that failure to meet the demands within 72 hours would result in nationwide peaceful protests, including the occupation of INEC offices across all 36 states and the FCT.
“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 said.
The development follows INEC’s recent decision to derecognize ADC leadership due to an ongoing court dispute.