The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress has given the Independent National Electoral Commission a 72 hour deadline to restore the party’s leadership as it was recognised in 2025. The group warned that if nothing changes within that time, there will be peaceful protests across Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the youth leader Balarabe Rufa’i said the situation is serious and could damage democracy in the country. He accused the election body of going beyond its powers and weakening institutions meant to protect the people’s votes.
He explained that the crisis started after a key party meeting on July 29, 2025, where the party removed its National Working Committee and chose a new leadership led by former Senate President David Mark. According to him, the election body had earlier accepted and confirmed this decision in September 2025.
Rufa’i said it was surprising that some former members who had already stepped down later returned to challenge the process, even though they had no legal right to do so. He also claimed that despite a Court of Appeal order to keep things as they were, the commission ignored it and acted while the case was still ongoing.
The youth wing is now asking the National Assembly to look into the matter and possibly punish those responsible, including considering the removal of the commission’s chairman. It also called on the courts to make their rulings clearer to avoid confusion or misuse.
Rufa’i stressed that the election body does not have the power to interpret court decisions and accused it of bias and damaging the system. He demanded that the leadership under David Mark be restored on the commission’s official records, along with a public apology and a promise to remain neutral.
He also advised the government of Bola Tinubu to avoid actions that could weaken opposition parties.
The group warned that if their demands are not met within three days, protests will take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including possible gatherings at election offices.
Rufa’i said the group is ready to continue its actions peacefully and will not back down, adding that the issue goes beyond one party and affects the future of democracy in Nigeria.
This comes shortly after the election body removed its recognition of the party’s leadership due to an ongoing court case about the party’s structure. The commission had earlier warned that holding party meetings or conventions while the case is still in court could affect the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
