The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress deepened 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 of its leadership.
Gombe, accompanied by Kogi State lawmaker Leke Abejide and hundreds of supporters, accused the rival camp led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to take over the party’s structure in violation of its constitution and established internal processes.
Addressing officials of the electoral body during the protest, Gombe said the commission must ensure that due process is followed 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.”
Also speaking during the protest, Abejide called on INEC to resist what he described as an attempted hijack of the party, insisting that the ADC constitution clearly outlines the requirements for anyone seeking to occupy leadership positions.
He said, “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 by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party.”
The ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, also commended INEC for complying with a court order but urged the commission to go a step further by formally affirming Gombe’s leadership.
He said, “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.”
Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.
He said, “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.”
The protest came less than 24 hours after a rival faction of the party led by David Mark staged a separate demonstration in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions it said were undermining democracy and interfering in the party’s internal affairs.
That demonstration, held at the Maitama Roundabout, drew several prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates, former governors, and hundreds of supporters.
The back-to-back protests highlight the growing divisions within the ADC and have raised fresh concerns over the party’s internal stability as political activities ahead of future elections continue to gather momentum.
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