The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja.
The group, joined by supporters including Leke Abejide, accused a rival camp led by David Mark of attempting to take control of the party’s leadership without due process.
Addressing protesters, Gombe warned against what he described as attempts to hijack the party through unlawful means. He urged INEC to recognise him as the legitimate national chairman in line with the party’s constitution.
Abejide reinforced the position, stating that the ADC constitution requires members to spend at least two years in the party before contesting leadership positions. He called on the electoral body to uphold internal rules and resist any effort to override established procedures.
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Also speaking, Mohammed Sahad, Director of Youths and Mobilisation, commended INEC for complying with a recent court order but urged the commission to go further by formally affirming Gombe’s leadership.
Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed, promising an official response after due consideration.
The protest follows a separate demonstration held a day earlier by the rival faction under the #OccupyINEC banner, highlighting growing divisions within the party.
Political observers say the back-to-back protests signal a deepening crisis within the ADC, raising concerns about internal cohesion and the party’s preparedness for future electoral contests.
