The demonstration, which took place on Monday, called for the resignation of the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan.

The protesters carried placards with messages such as “ADC is not for sale,” “Amupitan is already compromised,” and “Democracy is dialogue, not monologue,” expressing their dissatisfaction with recent developments within the electoral body.

The protest was led by the party’s National Deputy Youth Leader, Adeola Olusi, under tight security presence.

Ahead of the demonstration, the party’s National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, announced on that similar protests would be held in Lagos and Ogun States under the banner “Operation Occupy INEC.”

He stated that the Lagos action was scheduled to begin at 8am at Yaba College of Technology, adding that the youth wing was taking a firm but peaceful stance on the issue.

According to him, the protesters were demanding respect for the rule of law, adherence to due process, the immediate resignation of Amupitan, and the reinstatement of the Senator David Mark-led leadership structure.

Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said the party has experienced a significant rise in new membership following recent actions involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, April 20, 2026, Abdullahi linked the surge in registrations to INEC’s recent decisions affecting prominent political figures.

He explained that interest in the party increased after actions involving figures such as David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, noting that many Nigerians are now more engaged in political developments.

According to him, citizens are increasingly joining political movements as they closely follow unfolding events and seek greater participation.

He said the situation has encouraged more political awareness, leading to a steady inflow of new members into the party.

The statement comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark both laying claim to the party’s structure.

The dispute, which began in July 2025 following a coalition takeover of the party, has resulted in prolonged legal battles.

Following a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment, INEC announced it would no longer recognise either faction. The Commission, through its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, also stated it would not engage with the groups pending the outcome of a Federal High Court case.

Those named in the case include Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

They are expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Also listed in the charge, though reportedly at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, includes allegations of treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security-related information.

According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to destabilise the Nigerian state and undermine the authority of the President.

It was further alleged that they planned actions intended to “levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under the Criminal Code.

Prosecutors also claimed the accused had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to report it to the authorities or take steps to prevent it.

Beyond the treason allegations, they are also being prosecuted under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, for allegedly supporting and participating in activities linked to terrorism.

Two of the defendants, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru, were specifically accused of attending meetings allegedly connected to terrorist planning and ideological mobilisation aimed at destabilising the country’s constitutional order.

The Federal Government further alleged that the accused provided indirect support for terrorist activities and failed to disclose critical intelligence that could have prevented the alleged offences.

In addition, several of the defendants are accused of handling funds believed to be linked to terrorism financing.

Bukar Kashim Goni was alleged to have retained ₦50 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, while Abdulkadir Sani was accused of holding ₦2 million from similar sources.

Zekeri Umoru was also accused of receiving and retaining ₦10 million and ₦8.8 million without passing through financial institutions, while Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was alleged to have taken possession of ₦1 million connected to the case.

All financial allegations were filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

News reports that Yamal made the comments on Monday, April 20, shortly after being named Best Young Athlete at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.

The teenage star expressed deep admiration for Messi while speaking about his own ambitions in football, stressing that the Argentine icon has earned worldwide respect through his remarkable career.

“Leo Messi is the best football player of all time. If he’s not the best athlete of all time, he’s certainly among them. Everyone respects him for what he’s achieved, and I hope I can follow in his footsteps,” Yamal said.

Messi, who is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest legends, has won more than 45 trophies throughout his career, including multiple league titles, continental championships, and the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Now 38, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is nearing the final stages of his playing career and is expected to take part in what could be his last World Cup this summer.

Meanwhile, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has revealed his desire to end his Liverpool career on a positive note after scoring in his final Merseyside derby during a 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield.

Salah opened the scoring in the intense encounter, registering his ninth goal in the derby and equalling Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s joint-highest scorer in the fixture.

The forward, who has had a mixed season, once again delivered in a crucial moment as Liverpool continue their push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Speaking after the match, Salah emphasised the importance of helping the team secure European football as he looks ahead to the end of his Anfield journey.

“I hope I will just keep scoring and help the team to achieve the Champions League this season. Hopefully, I say farewell in the right way,” Salah said.

“It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team settle down and feel more confident. We knew before the game it was going to be tricky, difficult, and I’m glad we were able to win it.”