By Lateef Ibrahim
The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognise the party’s leadership under David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
The demand was made during a peaceful protest held on Monday at INEC’s Lagos headquarters in Sabo-Yaba, where the group also submitted a petition titled “Demand for Immediate Restoration of ADC Leadership and Defence of Democratic Order in Nigeria.”
Leading the protest, ADC South-West Youth Leader, Adeola Olusi, presented the petition on behalf of the National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai.
Rufai said the protest followed the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum earlier issued to INEC on April 6, alleging that the commission’s inaction has raised concerns about its neutrality and adherence to constitutional provisions.
“Following the expiration of our 72-hour ultimatum, we hereby formally notify you that ADC youths have begun peaceful occupation of INEC offices nationwide… This is necessary democratic resistance,” he said.
He maintained that the ADC National Executive Committee held a lawful meeting on July 29, 2025, under INEC supervision, which produced a new National Working Committee led by Mark and Aregbesola. According to him, the commission had initially recognised the leadership in September 2025 without objections.
Rufai, however, accused INEC of disregarding due process by later withdrawing recognition, insisting that a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum supports the Mark-led leadership.
He further called for the immediate restoration of the leadership on INEC’s official records, a public apology from the commission, and urged it to maintain neutrality.
The Lagos State ADC Chairman, George Ashiru, said the protest had the backing of party leadership across levels, stressing the importance of safeguarding democratic rights.
“We must not reach a point where Nigerians lose the right to choose their leaders democratically… Our youths are fighting for their future,” he said.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Taiwo Gbadegesin assured the protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
INEC had recently announced the derecognition of Mark and Aregbesola as ADC national chairman and secretary, citing a court order.
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