The internal leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction of the party, 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 joined by a member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, Leke Abejide, alongside a large number of supporters, accused the rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to unlawfully take control of the party’s leadership.
Addressing INEC officials during the demonstration, Gombe urged the commission to adhere strictly to due process in handling the dispute.
He said, “We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC.
“As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians from wards, states to national levels.”
Also speaking, Abejide called on the electoral body to resist what he described as an attempted takeover, noting that the party’s constitution clearly stipulates conditions for leadership eligibility.
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“We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day? Which political platform is that done?
“The party constitution is clear about this. You have to spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before you can aspire for any position. It is clear that the commission has not erred.
“These people are hijackers, and INEC must follow through on reverting to status quo ante bellum by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party,” he said.
In the same vein, the party’s Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order but urged it to go further by affirming Gombe’s leadership.
“INEC has not erred in any way. In fact, we commend the commission for obeying the court order. But they need to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC.
“INEC needs to do the right thing and do it now. That is why we are here,” he said.
Responding to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured them that the commission would review their submission and respond accordingly.
“I am here on behalf of the chairman, and I believe INEC, as a commission, will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest,” he said.
The protest came barely 24 hours after a rival faction of the party, led by David Mark, held a separate demonstration in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the commission of actions they claimed were undermining democratic principles and the party’s internal processes.
That protest, held at the Maitama Roundabout, attracted several political figures, including former presidential candidates, ex-governors, and a large number of supporters, particularly members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The back-to-back demonstrations highlight the growing divisions within the ADC, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion as future elections approach.
