2027: ADC youths give INEC 72-hour ultimatum, threaten nationwide protest

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The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the restoration of the party’s 2025-recognised leadership or face nationwide protests.

The group said failure to comply would trigger peaceful civic action across the country, including plans to occupy INEC offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Its demands include the immediate reinstatement of the Senator David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official portal, a public apology from the commission, and assurances of neutrality in line with the rule of law.

Speaking on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused INEC of undermining democratic institutions.

“Nigeria is under democratic siege. What should have been a steady consolidation of 27 uninterrupted years of civil rule since 1999 is now being deliberately undermined by those entrusted to protect it,” he said.

Rufa’i said the party’s July 29, 2025, National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which produced a new leadership, was conducted under INEC’s supervision and later recognised by the commission. “INEC received the outcome, verified the process, officially uploaded and recognized this leadership; there was no dispute, no objection, no ambiguity.

“Yet INEC chose to ignore facts, disregard due process, and unlawfully interpret a court order,” he said.

The youth leader insisted that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to interpret court rulings, noting that INEC has no constitutional authority to interpret court orders.

He also questioned the legal basis for the commission’s actions, particularly its reliance on pending motions and correspondence rather than court decisions.

“This is not a mistake, but a violation of the Constitution,” he noted.

Rufa’i called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter and take necessary action, including sanctions against the INEC leadership.

“Democracy must be defended with action, not silence,” he said, urging the judiciary to clarify its orders to prevent misinterpretation and safeguard the rule of law, while calling on the military to remain neutral in the matter.

Addressing Nigerian youths, he described the situation as a defining moment for the country’s democracy, saying, “This is about our future, our voice, our democracy. Together, let’s stand now to defend our democracy or lose everything democracy represents.”

The ADC youth wing maintained that the leadership inaugurated in July 2025 remains the party’s only legitimate structure.

“Our Position is very clear, any attempt to alter this without a final court judgment is illegal, null, void and unacceptable,” he asserted.

The group warned that if INEC fails to act within the stipulated period, it will mobilise nationwide protests, adding, “We will initiate nationwide, peaceful, and lawful civic action and sustain civic resistance until full restoration of democratic order.” Nation