ADC Youth Wing Gives INEC 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Leadership Crisis

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 recognised 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 mandate.

Rufa’i described the situation in Nigeria as a “democratic siege,” alleging that institutions meant to protect the will of the people were being compromised.

He traced the crisis to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, where a new leadership led by David Mark was produced and subsequently recognised by INEC in September 2025.

According to him, individuals who had previously resigned later resurfaced 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 acted on pending motions and non-binding communications,” Rufa’i alleged.

He further accused INEC of lacking the constitutional authority to interpret court rulings, describing its actions as “complicity, partisanship and institutional sabotage.”

The youth leader called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter and consider sanctions against the commission, including the possible removal of its chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan.

He also urged the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent what he described as manipulation, while appealing to the military to remain neutral, stressing that the issue is purely civil and constitutional.

Reaffirming the party’s position, Rufa’i insisted that the leadership produced at the July 2025 NEC meeting remains the only legitimate authority within the ADC.

The group demanded the immediate restoration of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s portal, a public apology from the commission, and a commitment to neutrality.

Rufa’i also called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to avoid actions that could weaken opposition parties, warning of implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

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.

“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 comes days after INEC derecognised the ADC leadership over a pending court dispute, with the commission warning that proceeding with planned congresses could affect the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.