By Ghazali Ibrahim
Tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensified on Thursday after a faction of the party staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition of its leadership.
The group, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, arrived at the commission’s office alongside supporters and prominent party members, including Kogi State lawmaker Leke Abejide.
The protesters accused a rival camp allegedly aligned with former Senate President David Mark of attempting to take control of the party outside established constitutional procedures.
Speaking during the protest, Gombe called on INEC to uphold due process, describing the dispute as a critical test of democratic principles and institutional integrity.
He argued that the party’s leadership should not be altered through what he described as illegitimate means, warning against undue influence by powerful interests.
According to him, the ADC belongs to its grassroots members across wards, states, and the national structure.
Abejide, who also addressed the gathering, echoed similar concerns, cautioning against what he termed an attempted takeover of the party. He maintained that the ADC constitution clearly outlines the requirements for leadership positions, stressing that individuals must have been active members of the party for at least two years before seeking such roles.
He urged INEC to intervene and restore what he described as the rightful leadership, insisting that Gombe should be recognised as the party’s national chairman.
Also speaking, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, acknowledged that the electoral body had complied with a court directive but insisted that further action was necessary. He called on INEC to formally recognise Gombe’s leadership, describing it as the legitimate authority within the party.
In response, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, who received the protesters on behalf of the commission’s chairman, assured them that their petition would be carefully reviewed and that appropriate feedback would be provided.
The latest demonstration comes just a day after a separate protest by another faction of the party under the #OccupyINEC banner, reportedly linked to David Mark’s camp. That protest drew support from several political figures and grassroots groups, further highlighting the deepening divisions within the ADC.
With rival factions staging back-to-back protests and laying claim to the party’s leadership, the internal crisis appears to be widening, raising concerns about the ADC’s unity and its readiness for the 2027 general elections.
