“Democratic Siege”: ADC Youth Wing Gives INEC 72-Hour Ultimatum, Warns of Nationwide Protests Over Leadership Crisis
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may effectively bar the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections by refusing to accept its correspondence—a move the party describes as an “artificial non-compliance” designed to exclude it from the electoral process.
In a fiery statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that INEC’s position is inconsistent with its own records, which previously recognized the party’s leadership structure under former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The Clock Is Ticking
With INEC setting May 10 as the cut-off date for pre-election filings, the ADC says the electoral umpire’s refusal to accept its communications makes it impossible to fulfil legal obligations, including the mandatory 21-day notice period.
“The Electoral Act prescribes strict timelines,” the party noted. “Unless a court ruling on its leadership dispute is delivered before May 10, it may be unable to present candidates for the elections.”
ADC National Youth Leader – Balarabe Rufai
Youth Wing: “This Is Bigger Than ADC”
Escalating the confrontation, the ADC Youth Wing issued a 72-hour ultimatum to INEC demanding:
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Immediate restoration of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official portal
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A public apology from the commission
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A commitment to uphold neutrality and the rule of law
National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai accused INEC of acting outside its constitutional mandate, declaring: “Nigeria is under democratic siege.”
He warned that failure to comply would trigger peaceful protests across the country, including the occupation of INEC offices in all 36 states and the FCT.
“We will not retreat, we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. This is bigger than ADC. This is about Nigeria,” Rufa’i stated.
The Root of the Crisis
The leadership dispute stems from a July 29, 2025, NEC meeting where the party dissolved its National Working Committee and elected David Mark as chairman. INEC initially verified and recognized this outcome in September 2025.
However, INEC later withdrew recognition, citing a subsisting court judgment and conflicting claims within the party. The commission reverted to a “status quo ante bellum” position pending judicial clarity—leaving the ADC without formal recognition.
Kwankwaso Welcomes Ex-Kano Deputy Gov to ADC
Amid the turmoil, former NNPP presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso welcomed immediate past Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo into the ADC, describing the defection as a “significant development” that would strengthen the party’s growing opposition coalition.
“I heartily congratulate Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo on his decision to join the ADC,” Kwankwaso wrote on X. “The grand reception has strengthened our ranks with his wealth of experience and injected fresh energy into the party.”
What’s at Stake
With a 72-hour clock ticking and the May 10 deadline looming, the ADC leadership crisis has become a test case for INEC’s authority—and for Nigeria’s commitment to multi-party democracy.
As the youth wing put it: “We will not be silenced.”
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