The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding that it immediately recognise Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused INEC of undermining democracy and warned that failure to reverse its decision would lead to nationwide peaceful protests and civic action.
The controversy follows INEC’s announcement on April 1 removing several party officials, including Mark and Aregbesola, from its records. The commission said its action was based on a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending a final ruling.
However, the ADC has been battling a leadership crisis since 2025, when a new National Working Committee led by Mark emerged after internal disagreements over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu. The dispute has since escalated into multiple legal battles, raising concerns about the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rufa’i insisted that INEC has no constitutional authority to interpret court rulings, stressing that such powers lie solely with the judiciary. He argued that the commission’s actions were not neutral but amounted to interference in the party’s internal affairs.
He also called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter and take necessary action, including the possible removal of the INEC Chairman. At the same time, he urged the judiciary to clarify its position to prevent further confusion.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Rufa’i described the situation as a threat to democracy, urging them to stand up against what he called injustice and institutional compromise.
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According to him, the Mark-led leadership remains the only legitimate structure of the party, and any attempt to alter it without a final court judgment is illegal.
He further demanded that INEC restore the leadership on its official portal, apologise to Nigerians, and refrain from acting on non-binding processes or pending motions.
The ADC youth leader warned that if the commission fails to comply within the given timeframe, the party’s youth wing, alongside civil society groups, will mobilise across all states and the Federal Capital Territory for sustained, peaceful protests.
He emphasised that the struggle goes beyond the party, describing it as a broader fight to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
