Members of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State on Wednesday staged a protest at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Port Harcourt over the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
The demonstration, which involved the party’s youth wing and key officials, was part of a coordinated nationwide action over INEC’s refusal to recognise the leadership that emerged from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting reportedly led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
The protesters marched from the party secretariat in the Government Reserved Area to the INEC office along Aba Express Road, where security personnel kept the gate locked. Officials eventually addressed them from behind the barricade before receiving a formal letter of complaint.
The letter, presented by Omiete Yellowe, the party’s state youth leader, accused INEC of overstepping its constitutional powers and demanded immediate recognition of the disputed national leadership, as well as the resignation of the INEC chairman.
Speaking during the protest, Rivers State ADC chairman, Leader Samson, expressed frustration over the commission’s position, insisting it undermines the party’s internal processes.
“INEC monitored the NEC meeting that produced the current leadership of our party, so for the commission to act otherwise is unacceptable,” he said. “If this is not corrected, it raises serious concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections.”
A representative of the party’s national leadership also addressed the protesters, describing the action as part of a broader directive across the country.
“This protest is being organised from the national level. It is a democratic call for the resignation of the INEC chairman,” he said. “Nigerians have lost confidence in the commission, and we are demanding accountability.”
Chairman-elect of the party in Rivers State, Chukwudi Dimkpa, praised members for their turnout and peaceful conduct, urging them to remain resolute.
“In just 48 hours, you all came out in large numbers and remained peaceful. That is commendable,” he said. “No one will intimidate us. We will continue to mobilise until the right thing is done.”
The Rivers protest is one of several held nationwide as ADC members intensify pressure on INEC to reverse its stance and formally recognise the leadership they insist is legitimate.
