The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into alleged irregularities that marred the party's primary elections, claiming to have received petitions from aspirants in at least 23 states alleging manipulation of candidate nominations.
The demand was contained in a statement signed by the ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufai, following a national press conference held on July 29, 2026.
According to the youth wing, petitions backed by documentary evidence allege that some party officials accepted improper financial inducements to alter the outcome of candidate nominations during the primaries.
The statement further claimed that formal petitions had earlier been submitted to the party's Legal Department by both the Appeal Committee constituted by the party and aggrieved aspirants, but alleged that no action was taken to address the complaints.
The ADC Youth Wing warned that if the allegations are proven, they would amount to a serious breach of the party's constitution, democratic principles and the trust reposed in its leadership by members.
It expressed concern that several aggrieved aspirants had resigned from the party while others had taken legal action after losing confidence in the party's internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
The youth wing said unresolved complaints could undermine party unity and weaken the ADC's position ahead of the general elections.
It called on the party's National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately establish an independent and transparent review panel to investigate all complaints and ensure that any official found culpable faces disciplinary action in line with the party's constitution.
The statement also urged that any case involving alleged criminal conduct be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation.
The youth wing appealed to aggrieved aspirants across the 36 states to submit their petitions, delegate tallies, video recordings and other documentary evidence to the Office of the National Youth Leader for compilation and presentation to the relevant organs of the party.
Despite the allegations, the youth wing reaffirmed its loyalty to the African Democratic Congress and declared its support for the party's presidential ticket of Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as all validly nominated candidates.
It maintained that internal democracy, transparency and accountability remain essential if the party hopes to convince Nigerians of its commitment to democratic governance.
The youth wing further stated that if the current leadership fails to bring those responsible for the alleged irregularities to justice, it should resign and allow others committed to restoring integrity within the party to take over.
The statement added that the ADC Youth Wing's legal advisers, led by Barr. I.U. Wali and Barr. Juliet Laba, would work with aggrieved aspirants until their complaints are fully addressed.