Security was tightened in Abuja on Thursday as tension rose at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission over the ongoing crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress.
The situation followed the commission’s decision to remove the party’s National Working Committee from its official records, a move that triggered reactions from supporters.
Hundreds of demonstrators, said to include members of the ADC and allies from the Obidient Movement, converged on the Maitama area to express their displeasure.
The protest, tagged “Occupy INEC,” had been planned ahead, with participants mobilising to challenge the electoral body’s action.
A strong deployment of security personnel, including officers of the Nigerian Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services, was observed around the premises.
Major roads leading to the commission’s headquarters were cordoned off with patrol vehicles, limiting access to the area.
Earlier, INEC had removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
The electoral body added that it would not acknowledge any faction within the party, including claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe, until a pending case before the Federal High Court is resolved.
