The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate restoration of what it described as the party’s “legitimate leadership” or risk nationwide civic action.

The ultimatum was announced on Monday during a press conference at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where the group accused INEC of undermining democracy and acting beyond its constitutional mandate in the handling of the party’s leadership crisis.

Addressing journalists, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, warned that Nigeria’s democratic system was under serious threat, alleging that institutions established to safeguard the will of the people were being “compromised, weakened and weaponised.” He further stated that the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule since 1999 were being eroded by what he described as deliberate and dangerous actions.

Quoting late nationalist Aminu Kano, Rufai argued that the situation reflects a deeper decline in governance and democratic values. “The democratic humanism of the future can only be built on the ruins of the present corrupt and decaying system,” he said, adding that the decay is now “active, deliberate and dangerous.”

At the centre of the dispute is the party’s leadership following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on 29 July 2025. According to Rufai, the meeting, conducted under INEC supervision, dissolved the National Working Committee and produced a new leadership led by former Senate President David Mark. He noted that INEC initially recognised the outcome, having verified the process and uploaded the leadership on its portal on 9 September 2025.

Questioning the commission’s subsequent reversal, Rufai said there had been “no dispute, objection or ambiguity” surrounding the process. He alleged that political pressure and interference prompted the change in position, claiming that individuals who had previously resigned resurfaced to challenge the outcome despite lacking legal standing.

Rufai further argued that the matter is already before the courts and cited a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the *status quo ante bellum*, which he said remains the David Mark-led leadership. He accused INEC of disregarding due process by acting on letters and an ex parte motion that had not been determined by a competent court.

“INEC has no constitutional authority to interpret court orders. That duty belongs strictly to the courts,” he stated, describing the commission’s actions as “complicity, partisanship and institutional sabotage.”

The ADC youth wing called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers by investigating INEC’s conduct and taking appropriate action, including the possible removal of its chairman. It also urged the judiciary to clarify its rulings to prevent misinterpretation and preserve the integrity of the legal system. While commending the military for its role in national security, Rufai cautioned against any involvement in civil democratic matters, stressing that the issue must remain within constitutional limits.

Directing his message to Nigerian youths, Rufai urged them to defend democratic values and resist what he described as illegality. He maintained that the leadership inaugurated on 29 July 2025 remains the only legitimate authority within the party, insisting that any alteration without a final court judgment is “null and void.”

He subsequently outlined the group’s demands, including the immediate restoration of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s portal, a public apology to Nigerians, and a halt to actions based on pending motions or non-binding processes. The group also called on INEC to respect the rule of law, refrain from interpreting court directives, and uphold neutrality and independence in its operations. Additionally, it demanded the resignation or removal of the INEC chairman, accusing him of undermining the commission’s credibility.

“Let it be known, we will not retreat, we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced because this is bigger than ADC. This is about Nigeria,” Rufai declared. “Restore democracy or face the resolve of the Nigerian people.”

The ultimatum marks a further escalation in tensions between the ADC and INEC over the party’s leadership crisis. The development follows an earlier press conference in which party leaders called for the resignation of the INEC chairman, accusing the commission of interfering in internal party affairs and undermining democratic principles.

At that briefing, David Mark expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking democratic space under President Bola Tinubu, warning that INEC’s decision to freeze recognition of the party’s leadership raised serious questions about its neutrality. He also insisted that the party would proceed with its internal processes regardless of the commission’s position, arguing that the law does not mandate INEC’s presence at party congresses and conventions.

Reinforcing this stance, the party, in a statement signed by its National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, affirmed that it would go ahead with its scheduled congresses and national convention, maintaining that it had complied with all statutory requirements, including formally notifying INEC of its activities.

The crisis is rooted in INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of all ADC leadership factions following a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit before the Federal High Court. The suit was filed by a former national vice chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, who is challenging David Mark’s emergence as national chairman after the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu. Bala is seeking to be declared national chairman in line with the party’s constitution, and the case remains pending.

Although Mark’s faction had filed an interlocutory appeal ahead of proceedings at the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and reaffirmed that all parties must maintain the status quo. Subsequently, INEC announced that it would not recognise any faction of the party until the substantive suit is resolved.

However, Mark has maintained that there is no legal basis for INEC’s decision, arguing that the commission misinterpreted the appellate court’s directive and should have sought judicial clarification if in doubt. He also alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress is fuelling the crisis in an attempt to destabilise the ADC.

In response, the INEC chairman warned the party against proceeding with its planned congresses without the commission’s supervision, citing the ongoing legal process. Speaking on Arise Television, he cautioned that taking such steps could attract “grave legal consequences,” referencing precedents in Zamfara and Plateau states where failure to comply with court orders led to the nullification of electoral victories.

With the ultimatum now in effect and legal proceedings still ongoing, the dispute has intensified into a broader confrontation over institutional authority, judicial interpretation, and the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.