By ifeoma Onyekachi 

The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the reinstatement of the party’s leadership as recognised in 2025 or risk nationwide civic action.

Speaking with journalists on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused the electoral commission of undermining democratic processes and acting beyond its constitutional mandate.

Rufa’i described the situation as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, alleging that institutions established to protect the will of the people were being compromised and used against democratic principles.

He linked the leadership dispute to a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, during which the party dissolved its National Working Committee and produced a new leadership headed by David Mark. According to him, INEC verified and formally recognised the outcome in September 2025 without any objections at the time.

He, however, claimed that months later, some individuals who had previously resigned returned to challenge the process, despite what he described as lacking legal standing. He further alleged that although the Court of Appeal directed parties to maintain the last uncontested position, INEC ignored the directive and acted on pending motions and communications that were not binding.

Rufa’i insisted that INEC does not have the constitutional authority to interpret court rulings, describing the commission’s actions as partisan and detrimental to democratic institutions.

The ADC youth leader called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter and consider sanctions, including the possible removal of the INEC Chairman. He also urged the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent what he described as manipulation and to reaffirm its role as the sole interpreter of the law.

He further appealed to the military to remain neutral, stressing that the dispute is strictly a civil and constitutional matter.

Reaffirming the party’s position, Rufa’i maintained that the leadership produced at the July 2025 NEC meeting remains the only legitimate leadership of the ADC, warning that any attempt to change it without a final court ruling would be illegal and invalid.

The group also listed its demands, including the immediate restoration of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official portal, a public apology from the commission, and a commitment to neutrality and respect for the rule of law.

Rufa’i also called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to take actions that could weaken opposition parties, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.

He warned that failure to comply within 72 hours would lead to nationwide peaceful protests, including the occupation of INEC offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“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 said.

The development comes days after INEC derecognised the ADC leadership over an ongoing court dispute.