The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Gombe stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition of its leadership.
Gombe, alongside Kogi State lawmaker Leke Abejide and a large group of supporters, accused the David Mark-led faction of attempting to unlawfully take control of the party, insisting that such actions violate the party’s constitution and due process.
Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe called for fairness in resolving the ongoing internal dispute, stressing that the party must not be hijacked by powerful interests outside its established structure.
Abejide also urged INEC to intervene, arguing that the party’s constitution clearly defines eligibility requirements for leadership positions and warning against what he described as an attempted takeover by “usurpers.” He insisted that Nafiu Gombe should be recognised as the legitimate national chairman based on constitutional provisions.
Similarly, the ADC Director of Youth Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, praised INEC for respecting a court order but urged the commission to formally recognise Gombe’s leadership to resolve the dispute.
Responding, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their petition would be reviewed and that the commission would provide feedback in due course.
The protest follows a counter-demonstration held a day earlier by a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark, who also accused INEC of interfering in the party’s internal affairs.
The back-to-back protests highlight the deepening division within the ADC, with competing factions laying claim to the party’s leadership amid ongoing legal and political disputes.
