The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a three-day ultimatum to restore Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) in it portal as the leadership of the party.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja on Monday, the groups threatened to occupy the commission’s headquarters and all the 36 states and the FCT offices if its demands were not met.

ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, and coordinator of the CSOs, Ibrahim Garba Wala, also demanded INEC’s apology to Nigerians for its alleged unconstitutional and partisan conduct.

Rufa’i, who read the text of the press conference, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the institutions of government meant to defend the will of the people to undermine the nation’s democracy.

He said INEC has no constitutional authority to interpret court orders, and equally accused the commission of complicity and partisanship in the ADC crisis.

“On what legal basis did INEC act on letters and an ex parte motion that has neither been heard nor determined by a court of competent jurisdiction?” Rufai asked.

The youth leader maintained that the ADC leadership inaugurated on July 29, 2025, led by Senator David Mark, remains the only legitimate leadership of the party.

“Any attempt to alter this without a final court judgement is illegal, null, void and unacceptable,” he stated.

He called on INEC to respect and uphold the rule of law by refraining from interpreting court directives, as well as ensuring neutrality and independence in all its operations.

“We also demand the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman for presiding over actions that have undermined the credibility of the commission,” Rufa’i demanded, and warned that any attempt to weaken opposition parties by the ruling party is a direct threat to democracy.

“If INEC fails to comply within 72 hours, we will initiate nationwide, peaceful, and lawful civic action across all 36 states and the FCT.

“ADC youths and concerned Nigerians, including civil society organisations, will lawfully occupy INEC offices nationwide, sustain civic resistance until full restoration of the democratic order.

“Let it be known, we will not retreat, we will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced because this is bigger than ADC. This is about Nigeria.

“Restore democracy or face the resolve of the Nigerian people,” Rufa’i warned.