ADC crisis deepens as faction storms INEC HQ

The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress escalated on Thursday as a faction of the party staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, pressing for formal recognition of its leadership.

The group, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, arrived at the commission’s office alongside supporters and key party figures, including Kogi lawmaker Leke Abejide. The protesters accused a rival bloc aligned with David Mark of attempting to seize control of the party structure outside constitutional provisions.

Addressing INEC officials, Gombe framed the dispute as a test of institutional integrity and party discipline.

“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.”

The protest underscores a widening leadership tussle that now threatens the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

Backing Gombe’s position, Abejide warned against what he described as an orchestrated takeover, insisting that the party’s constitution clearly defines eligibility for leadership roles.

“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. 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.”

In the same vein, the party’s Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, acknowledged INEC’s compliance with a court order but pushed for full recognition of the faction’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.”

Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their petition 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.”

The demonstration comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction led by David Mark mobilised supporters under the #OccupyINEC banner, accusing the electoral body of undermining internal democracy within the party.

That protest, held in Abuja, drew prominent political figures and grassroots movements, signalling that the ADC’s leadership battle is no longer confined to party corridors but is fast spilling into the public space.

With back-to-back protests and competing claims to legitimacy, the crisis is deepening, raising fresh concerns about the party’s stability and its ability to function as a credible platform ahead of future elections.

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