The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Gombe stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.
Gombe, joined by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused a rival bloc led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution.
Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the dispute.
He warned against what he described as attempts by powerful interests to undermine internal democracy, stressing that the ADC belongs to members at all levels from wards to the national structure.
Abejide also urged INEC to resist what he called an illegal takeover, arguing that the party’s constitution clearly spells out eligibility requirements for leadership positions, including a minimum of two years of active membership.
He maintained that the commission must restore the status quo by recognising Gombe as the party’s national chairman.
In the same vein, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, praised INEC for complying with a court order but called on the electoral body to go further by affirming Gombe’s leadership.
Responding, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured the protesters that their petition would be reviewed and that the commission would respond accordingly.
The protest comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction led by David Mark staged a demonstration in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the commission of undermining democracy and the party’s internal processes.
The rally, held at the Maitama Roundabout, drew prominent political figures and supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The back-to-back protests highlight a deepening division within the ADC, raising fresh concerns about the party’s stability ahead of future elections.
