The leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction headed by Nafiu Gombe protested at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, seeking official recognition.
Gombe, joined by Kogi lawmaker Leke Abejide and a large group of supporters, accused the David Mark-led camp of trying to take control of the party in violation of its constitution and laid-down procedures.
Speaking during the protest, Gombe urged the electoral body to adhere strictly to due process in resolving the dispute.
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.”
Abejide also appealed to INEC to reject what he described as an attempt to hijack the party, noting that the ADC constitution clearly specifies 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.
Similarly, the party’s Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, praised INEC for complying with a court directive but called on the commission to go further by formally recognising Gombe as 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 came just a day after a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark also staged a protest in Abuja under the #OccupyINEC banner, accusing the commission of undermining democracy and the party’s internal structure.
That protest, held at Maitama Roundabout, drew several prominent politicians, including former presidential candidates, ex-governors, and numerous supporters, particularly members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Protesters were seen singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” following a directive by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2024.
The back-to-back protests highlight the growing division within the ADC, raising concerns about the party’s unity and stability ahead of upcoming elections.
