Supporters of a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by factional National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, staged a protest in Abuja on Thursday, intensifying the party’s ongoing leadership crisis and raising fresh concerns over its internal stability.
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The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers, marched to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding recognition of Gombe as the legitimate national chairman of the party. Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters also decried what they described as external interference in the party’s affairs by prominent political figures.
They specifically called on David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso to “leave the party alone,” insisting that the ADC must remain independent and free from the influence of politicians they claimed are not core members.
The protest was attended by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, who joined the demonstrators in solidarity.
Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe accused the David Mark-led faction of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution and internal processes.
He urged the electoral body to uphold due process in resolving the dispute, warning against what he described as undue influence by powerful interests.
“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,” Gombe said.
“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,” he added.
Also speaking, Abejide called on INEC to resist what he termed an attempted takeover of the party, stressing that the ADC constitution clearly outlines eligibility requirements for leadership positions.
“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?” he said.
“The party constitution is clear. You must spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before aspiring for any position. INEC must revert to the status quo and recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as national chairman,” he added.
In the same vein, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order but urged the commission to go further by formally recognising Gombe’s leadership.
Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.
“I am here on behalf of the chairman and I believe INEC will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest,” he said.
The development comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction of the party, led by former Senate President David Mark, staged a separate protest in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions they claimed undermined democracy and the party’s leadership structure.
That demonstration, held at the Maitama Roundabout, attracted several prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates and ex-governors, as well as hundreds of supporters, particularly members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Participants at the protest were seen singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement in May 2024 with the country’s 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.
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