April 09, (THEWILL) — The leadership struggle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday, as the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction staged a counter-protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding formal recognition of its leadership.
The demonstration was organised in direct response to a massive rally held on Wednesday by the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), which had accused INEC of undermining the party’s internal processes.
THEWILL reports that Wednesday’s rally drew thousands of ADC supporters, including opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso. Protesters called for sweeping electoral reforms and the immediate removal of INEC Chairman Joseph Amupitan. The event also intensified the internal leadership dispute, triggered by INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from the Mark faction, creating a multi-factional contest over the party’s national leadership.
Addressing INEC officials during Thursday’s counter-protest in Gombe, accompanied by Kogi State lawmaker, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused the Mark-led faction of attempting to usurp control of the party in violation of its constitution and internal protocols.
He insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the leadership dispute.
“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”, he said.
Also speaking, Abejide called on the commission to resist what he described as 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? 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.
Responding on behalf of INEC, National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.
“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.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
