ADC Youths Give INEC 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Leadership Recognition, Threaten Nationwide Protest

The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Independent National Electoral Commission, demanding the restoration of the party’s leadership allegedly produced at its July 2025 National Executive Committee meeting and led by David Mark.

The warning was delivered on Monday during a press briefing held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where the youths accused the electoral commission of undermining democratic procedures and interfering in the internal affairs of the party.

National Youth Leader of the party, Balarabe Rufa’i, faulted INEC’s recent decision to withdraw recognition from both factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following the commission’s review of a Court of Appeal judgment.

According to him, the NEC meeting held on July 29, 2025 lawfully produced a new National Working Committee, which was monitored by INEC officials and subsequently acknowledged by the commission before being uploaded on its official portal in September 2025.

“There was no dispute at the time, no objection and no uncertainty surrounding the outcome of that meeting. The sudden reversal raises serious concerns about political pressure and undue interference,” he said.

Rufa’i maintained that INEC lacks constitutional powers to interpret court judgments, insisting that such responsibility belongs solely to the judiciary. He described the commission’s action as a breach of due process and a direct violation of democratic norms.

He questioned why the electoral body allegedly acted on letters and pending motions that, according to him, had not been conclusively determined by any court of competent jurisdiction.

The youth leader also called on the National Assembly to investigate the development and exercise its oversight powers where necessary, including considering sanctions against the commission’s leadership if constitutional breaches are established.

He further appealed to the judiciary to provide clarity on orders relating to the party’s leadership dispute in order to prevent further controversy and misinterpretation.

The group insisted that the leadership inaugurated after the July NEC meeting remains valid until any final court judgment states otherwise, warning that any attempt to alter it outside judicial determination would be resisted.

Rufa’i said the youth wing is demanding immediate restoration of the Mark-led leadership on INEC’s portal, a public apology from the commission, and an end to decisions based on pending motions or unofficial correspondence.

He warned that failure to comply within 72 hours would trigger peaceful nationwide civic actions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, party youths, alongside civil society groups and concerned Nigerians, would lawfully occupy INEC offices across the country until what he described as democratic order is restored.

He also cautioned against any move capable of weakening opposition parties, stressing that Nigeria must not drift toward a one-party system.