Dozens of supporters and leaders of the Senator David Mark faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday gathered at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to protest what they described as the commission’s alleged interference in the party’s leadership crisis.
Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The leaders said they were calling for INEC’s neutrality and opposing actions they believe could undermine internal party democracy. They described their presence as part of a peaceful demonstration aimed at defending democratic principles and ensuring opposition parties are not weakened by administrative decisions.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku stated that the protest was meant to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and ensure fairness in the electoral process. He wrote: “Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship.”
The protest comes amid escalating tensions within the ADC following disputes over the party’s leadership and INEC’s recognition of party officials, pending the outcome of ongoing court cases. INEC said its actions were guided by a Court of Appeal ruling directing all parties to maintain the status quo until a substantive case is determined by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, some ADC leaders have accused the commission of misinterpreting the court order and acting in ways that could weaken internal party democracy, an allegation INEC has denied, insisting it remains neutral and strictly follows the law.