African Democratic Congress Youth Wing Issues Ultimatum to INEC
The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has presented a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate reinstatement of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national chairperson and national secretary, respectively. Failure to comply with this demand could result in nationwide public protests.
Accusations Against INEC
Balarabe Rufai, the ADC National Youth Leader, made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja. He accused INEC of undermining the democratic process and warned that non-compliance would lead to organized peaceful demonstrations that mobilize citizens across the nation.
INEC’s Decision to Remove Party Leaders
On April 1, INEC announced its decision to remove several prominent members of the ADC from its records, including Mark and Aregbesola. According to the commission, this action was taken in accordance with a court order aimed at maintaining the status quo until a final judgment is reached.
Leadership Crisis within ADC
The ADC has been grappling with an ongoing leadership crisis since 2025, triggered by the establishment of a new national working committee led by Mark. This conflict arose over disagreements related to the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term was set to end in August 2022.
Factional Disputes and Legal Challenges
Nwosu reportedly supports a transition of power in 2025, while his deputy, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has contended that he should step into the role of acting chairman once Nwosu retires. This discord has led to multiple legal confrontations, causing significant concerns regarding the party’s preparedness for the upcoming 2027 elections.
INEC’s Alleged Illegality and Call for Government Oversight
During a press conference in Abuja, Mark insisted that INEC’s actions were unlawful, asserting that the party’s operations, including legislative activities, would continue as planned. In response, Rufai criticized INEC for overstepping its constitutional bounds by attempting to interpret court orders, a responsibility that solely belongs to the judiciary.
Urgent Actions Demanded from National Assembly
Rufai called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers to investigate INEC’s actions and pursue appropriate measures, including the potential removal of the INEC chairman. He emphasized that the protection of democracy requires proactive measures rather than silence, urging judicial clarity to prevent any form of manipulation.
Mobilization Plans and Public Resistance
He reaffirmed that the ADC’s leadership under Mark was legitimate, warning that any attempts to alter the leadership structure without a definitive court ruling would be deemed illegal and unacceptable. If INEC does not revert to the established leadership within 72 hours, the ADC plans to initiate nationwide peaceful protests, encouraging citizens and civil society organizations to occupy INEC offices across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
