The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a severe three-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate reinstatement of the party’s leadership as verified in 2025. Failure to comply, the group warned, could result in nationwide civic actions, including the occupation of INEC offices in all states and the Federal Capital Territory. The call for action comes amid a brewing crisis over ADC’s leadership recognition, where the electoral commission famously derecognised the party’s leadership due to ongoing legal disputes.
At a press conference held on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, addressed journalists to elaborate on the serious situation. He accused INEC of overstepping its constitutional mandate and weakening democratic institutions, alleging that the body was acting outside the law and jeopardising the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system. “Nigeria is under democratic siege,” Rufa’i charged, highlighting the critical state of institutions meant to safeguard the people’s will.
Rufa’i explained that the leadership crisis began with a National Executive Committee meeting on July 29, 2025, where the party dissolved its National Working Committee and elected a new leadership under the former Senate President, David Mark. Initially, INEC had verified and recognised this leadership. However, problems arose when dismissed individuals resurfaced to challenge the process, despite possessing no legal standing. He further alleged that INEC disregarded a directive from the Court of Appeal to maintain the last uncontested position and instead acted on other pending motions, exacerbating the crisis.
The youth leader insisted that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to interpret court rulings and accused the commission of complicity, partisanship, and institutional sabotage. The youth wing issued specific demands, including the immediate reinstatement of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official portal, a public apology, and a commitment to upholding neutrality and the rule of law. Rufa’i also urged the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent manipulation and called on the National Assembly to investigate INEC’s actions, recommending potential sanctions, including the removal of the commission’s chair, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
Addressing the implications of INEC’s actions, Rufa’i warned that failing to comply with their demands within 72 hours could lead to nationwide peaceful protests. “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 emphasised, underscoring the broader national significance of the issue. He also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to avoid actions that could weaken opposition parties.
The latest developments follow recent controversies, with INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, previously cautioning that if the party proceeds with planned congresses and national conventions while the legal dispute is still pending, it could affect the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections. As tensions rise, the resolution of this crisis could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s political landscape and democratic governance in the coming years. The clock is ticking, and the response from INEC and the relevant parties will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
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