The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore the David Mark-led national working committee (NWC) or face nationwide civic action.
The group made the demand on Monday during a press conference in Abuja, led by Balarabe Rufa’i, the party’s national youth leader.
Rufa’i accused INEC of undermining democracy by removing the party’s leadership from its portal despite what he described as a lawful process.
He said the leadership led by David Mark emerged from a national executive committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, under INEC’s supervision and was subsequently recognised by the commission in September.
“There was no dispute, no objection, no ambiguity. What changed is pressure and political interference,” he said.
The ADC youth wing alleged that INEC acted beyond its constitutional powers by interpreting a court order and taking decisions based on pending motions.
“INEC has no constitutional authority to interpret court orders. What it has done is not neutrality but partisanship and institutional sabotage,” Rufa’i said.
The group asked the commission to immediately restore the Mark-led leadership, apologise to Nigerians, and refrain from acting on non-binding processes.
It also called on the national assembly to investigate the matter and consider appropriate action against INEC’s leadership.
“We demand the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman for actions that have undermined the credibility of the commission,” he said.
The youth wing warned that failure to comply within 72 hours would trigger nationwide protests across all states and the federal capital territory.
“We will initiate peaceful and lawful civic action and occupy INEC offices nationwide until democratic order is restored,” Rufa’i said.
The group also urged the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent what it described as manipulation and called on the military to remain neutral.
It added that any attempt to weaken opposition parties poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
