A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala staged a protest on Thursday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding formal recognition of its leadership.
The protesters, accompanied by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, arrived at INEC’s office with hundreds of supporters.
The Bala-led group accused another faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark of attempting to take control of the party’s leadership in violation of the ADC constitution and established procedures.
Speaking during the protest, Bala urged INEC to follow due process in resolving the dispute.
He warned against what he described as attempts by powerful individuals to hijack the party, stressing that the ADC belongs to members at all levels, from wards to the national structure.
Also addressing the gathering, Abejide called on INEC to resist alleged efforts to hijack the party.
He noted that the ADC constitution requires members to spend at least two years in the party before contesting for leadership positions.
He urged the commission to maintain the status quo by recognising Bala as national chairman.
Responding to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured them that the commission would review their complaints and provide feedback, while commending them for conducting an orderly protest.
The demonstration came a day after another ADC faction, backed by prominent opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, also marched to INEC headquarters in Abuja in support of the leadership led by David Mark.
That earlier protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, attracted several opposition figures, including Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, with hundreds of supporters participating.
