Youth Group Rallies in Abuja to Defend INEC Amid ADC Leadership Dispute

Members of the Concerned Nigeria Youth Forum on Tuesday staged a peaceful march in Abuja in a show of solidarity with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following growing controversy surrounding the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The demonstrators, led by the group’s convener, Adeyeye Olugbenga, said the protest was aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions and upholding the integrity of the electoral umpire.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Protect Our Democracy” and “INEC Must Be Respected,” the youths moved through major streets in the Federal Capital Territory, calling on Nigerians to resist what they described as attempts to undermine the credibility of the commission.
Addressing journalists during the march, Olugbenga explained that the action became necessary following what he termed “relentless attacks from destructive elements” against INEC. He noted that the commission had merely complied with a valid court injunction when it removed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, allegedly led by David Mark, from its official portal.
“The law must be respected at all times,” Olugbenga said. “INEC acted within its constitutional mandate by adhering to a court order. Any attempt to intimidate or discredit the commission for obeying the rule of law is unacceptable and dangerous to our democracy.”
The group urged political stakeholders to channel grievances through legal means rather than resorting to public outcry or actions capable of heating up the polity. They also called on security agencies to ensure that democratic institutions are protected from undue pressure.
The protest comes amid heightened political tensions within the African Democratic Congress over its leadership structure, a dispute that has attracted public attention and legal scrutiny.
Despite the controversy, INEC has maintained that its actions are guided strictly by court directives and existing electoral laws.
Observers say the demonstration reflects growing civic engagement among Nigerian youths, particularly in matters relating to electoral transparency and democratic governance.