The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the restoration of its National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark on the commission’s official portal.
The party warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could trigger nationwide peaceful protests, including the occupation of INEC offices across the country by party youths and civil society groups.
Rising Tensions Over Party Leadership
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, accused INEC of acting in a partisan manner by delisting the Mark-led leadership from its records.
According to him, the development followed a recent decision by INEC to withdraw recognition of the current ADC leadership, citing a ruling by the Court of Appeal which directed all parties involved in the dispute to maintain theT status quo ante bellum—a legal term referring to the last uncontested state of affairs.
Rufai argued that the last undisputed leadership of the party remained the one headed by Mark, insisting that the electoral body had no constitutional authority to interpret court orders.
“INEC has no constitutional mandate to interpret judicial pronouncements. That responsibility lies solely with the courts. What we are witnessing is not neutrality, but institutional bias,” he said.
Background to the Crisis
The leadership crisis within the ADC dates back to the resignation of the party’s former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, and other members of the NWC.
Following their exit, a new leadership structure emerged after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in July 2025.
The party maintains that INEC had initially recognized and uploaded the new leadership on its portal in September 2025 without objections or disputes.
However, tensions resurfaced when Nafiu Gombe laid claim to the leadership, prompting legal battles and the subsequent appellate court ruling.
Calls for INEC Chairman’s Resignation
Beyond the demand for reinstatement, the ADC youth wing also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, accusing him of undermining the commission’s neutrality.
Rufai further urged the electoral body to issue a public apology to Nigerians and recommit to upholding democratic principles, including impartiality and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Civil Society Raises Alarm
Also speaking at the briefing, civil society representative Ibrahim Garba Wala alleged that certain political forces were attempting to manipulate the electoral system to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned against what he described as efforts to steer the country toward a one-party system.
“Any attempt to suppress opposition voices or impose a one-party state will be strongly resisted by Nigerians,” Wala said.
What Lies Ahead
The development adds to growing political tensions as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections. Observers say the outcome of the ADC leadership dispute—and INEC’s handling of it—could have broader implications for party politics, electoral transparency, and democratic stability in the country.
With the 72-hour deadline ticking, attention now shifts to INEC’s next move and whether dialogue, judicial clarification, or mass civic action will shape the resolution of the standoff.