The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, demanding formal recognition as the legitimate leadership of the party.
Gombe, who was accompanied by a Kogi State lawmaker, Leke Abejide, alongside a large number of supporters, accused the faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark of attempting to unlawfully take control of the party’s structure in violation of its constitution.
Speaking during the protest, Gombe urged INEC to adhere strictly to due process in resolving the dispute, warning against actions that could undermine internal party democracy.
He said, “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.”
Also addressing the commission, Abejide called on INEC to resist what he described as an attempted takeover, emphasizing that the party’s constitution clearly defines the 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.
In a similar vein, the party’s 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 as the authentic national chairman.
“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,” he said.
Responding to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured them 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.
The demonstration comes less than 24 hours after a rival faction of the party, led by David Mark, held a separate protest in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions they claimed undermined democratic principles and the party’s internal processes.
That protest, held at the Maitama Roundabout, attracted several high-profile political figures, including former presidential candidates and ex-governors, as well as a large number of supporters, notably members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Participants were also seen singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement in 2024 with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.
The back-to-back demonstrations reflect the deepening divisions within the ADC, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion and stability as it prepares for future political contests.
