The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission, demanding the reinstatement of the party’s leadership as recognised in its records or risk nationwide protests.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused the electoral body of undermining democratic processes and acting beyond its constitutional mandate.
He warned that failure to comply with the demand would trigger coordinated peaceful protests and civic actions across the country.
The ultimatum follows INEC’s April 1 decision to remove key figures of the party, including former Senate President David Mark and ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records, citing a court directive to maintain the status quo pending final determination of the case.
Rufa’i, however, faulted the commission’s interpretation of the court order, insisting that only the judiciary has the authority to interpret legal rulings.
He argued that the leadership that emerged from the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in July 2025, which produced Mark as National Chairman, remained the legitimate structure.
According to him, INEC had initially monitored and acknowledged the outcome of the meeting before reversing its position, a move he described as inconsistent and politically influenced.
The ADC youth leader also called on the National Assembly to investigate the commission’s actions, while urging the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent what he termed misinterpretation.
He further appealed to security agencies to remain neutral, describing the matter as a civil and constitutional issue.
Rufa’i maintained that the group would not hesitate to mobilise nationwide protests if the commission fails to reverse its decision within the stipulated timeframe.
He added that the demand goes beyond the party, stressing the need to protect democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law.
The leadership crisis within the ADC has persisted since 2025, resulting in factional disputes and multiple legal battles, raising concerns about the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
