The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, demanding the restoration of the party’s leadership as recognized in 2025 or face nationwide civic action.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused INEC of undermining democracy and acting outside its constitutional powers.
Rufa’i described Nigeria as being “under democratic siege,” alleging that institutions meant to safeguard the will of the people were being compromised and weaponized against democratic principles.
He traced the crisis to a National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting held on July 29, 2025, where the party dissolved its National Working Committee and produced a new leadership led by David Mark. According to him, INEC had initially verified and officially recognized the outcome in September 2025 without any dispute.
“Months later, individuals who had already resigned resurfaced to challenge a process they had no legal standing in,” Rufa’i said, adding that despite a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the last uncontested position, INEC allegedly ignored the order and acted on pending motions and non-binding communications.
The ADC youth leader called on the National Assembly to urgently investigate the matter and consider appropriate sanctions, including the possible removal of the INEC Chairman. He also urged the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent what he described as manipulation and to reaffirm its authority as the sole interpreter of the law.
The group outlined its demands, including the immediate restoration 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.
He warned that failure to comply within 72 hours would trigger nationwide, peaceful protests, including the occupation of INEC offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
