Youth members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State have staged a protest accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of allegedly interfering in the party’s internal leadership dispute.
The protesters, who marched through Daura Road on Thursday under the slogan “Amupitan Must Go,” gathered at the INEC state office where they submitted a petition and issued a 74-hour ultimatum for the commission to address their demands or face wider nationwide action.
Led by Jamilu Yahaya, the group alleged that INEC had taken actions that amounted to unconstitutional interference in the ADC’s internal affairs, particularly regarding the party’s leadership structure.
They specifically called for the reinstatement of the David Mark-led executive on INEC’s official portal, insisting that the electoral body must correct what they described as a “distortion of party records” and restore what they consider the legitimate leadership listing.
The protesters also demanded the removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), accusing the commission of bias and constitutional violations in its handling of party-related disputes.
They further urged INEC to stop recognising internal party communications or leadership claims that are not backed by court judgments, arguing that such actions could worsen internal conflicts and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the demonstrators, any continued recognition of disputed party structures ahead of the ADC’s upcoming national convention could undermine preparations and deepen political instability within the party.
In response, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Katsina State, Ibrahim Dari, received the protest letter on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner and assured the protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
