The ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition.
Gombe, who was accompanied by Kogi State lawmaker Leke Abejide and a large number of supporters, accused the faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark of attempting to unlawfully take control of the party’s leadership.
Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe insisted that due process must be strictly followed in resolving the dispute. He warned against allowing external influence to undermine the party’s internal structure.
According to him, the ADC belongs to its members at all levels, and no individual or group should be allowed to impose leadership outside established procedures.
Also speaking, Abejide urged INEC to resist what he described as an attempted takeover, emphasizing that the party’s constitution clearly outlines the requirements for leadership positions. He noted that individuals must be active members of the party for at least two years before contesting for any office.
Similarly, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order but called on the commission to go further by formally recognizing Gombe as the legitimate national chairman.
Responding on behalf of INEC, National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their concerns would be carefully reviewed, adding that the commission would respond appropriately.
The protest comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction led by David Mark staged a separate demonstration in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions they claimed undermine democracy and the party’s internal structure.
The back-to-back protests highlight the deepening divisions within the ADC, raising concerns about the party’s stability as future elections approach.
