A leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress deepened on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja to demand official recognition.
Gombe, accompanied by Leke Abejide and hundreds of supporters, accused the camp loyal to former Senate President David Mark of attempting to seize control of the party in violation of its constitution and established procedures.
Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe urged the commission to adhere strictly to due process in resolving the crisis. He warned against what he described as an attempt by outsiders and wealthy interests to undermine the party’s internal democracy, insisting that the ADC belongs to members at every level, from wards to the national structure.
Abejide also appealed to INEC to reject what he termed an illegal takeover bid, arguing that the party’s constitution requires anyone seeking leadership office to have spent at least two years as an active member. He maintained that Gombe remained the legitimate national chairman and called on the commission to restore the status quo.
The ADC’s Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, praised INEC for complying with a court order but said the commission should go further by formally recognising Gombe as the party’s authentic leader.
Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their petition would be examined and that the commission would respond accordingly.
The demonstration came less than 24 hours after a rival faction of the ADC, led by David Mark, staged a separate protest in Abuja under the #OccupyINEC banner, accusing the commission of undermining democracy and interfering in the party’s leadership structure.
The earlier protest, held at the Maitama Roundabout, attracted several high-profile politicians, including former presidential candidates, former governors and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The back-to-back protests have highlighted the widening divisions within the ADC, raising fresh concerns over the party’s unity and stability ahead of future elections.