KEY POINTS

• A Nafiu Gombe-led ADC faction protested at INEC headquarters, demanding recognition as the party’s legitimate leadership.
• Protesters accused the David Mark-led group of attempting to hijack the party in violation of its constitution.
• INEC acknowledged the petition and promised to review it, as rival protests expose worsening divisions within the ADC.

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, intensified on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition.

Gombe, accompanied by a Kogi State lawmaker, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused a rival group led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution and internal processes.

Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe urged the commission to follow due process in resolving the dispute, warning against what he described as attempts to seize control of the party through illegitimate means.

He stressed that the ADC belongs to all members across ward, state, and national levels, and cautioned against allowing wealthy interests to undermine internal democracy.

Abejide warns against alleged takeover

Also speaking, Abejide called on INEC to resist what he described as an attempted leadership takeover, arguing that the party’s constitution clearly outlines eligibility criteria for leadership positions.

According to him, aspirants must spend at least two years as active members before contesting for any office, adding that INEC should restore the status quo by recognising Gombe as the party’s national chairman.

The ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order but urged the commission to go further by formally affirming Gombe’s leadership.

He said the protest aimed to push the commission to act swiftly in recognising what he described as the authentic leadership of the party.

Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured protesters that their petition would be reviewed.

He said the commission would study their submission and provide feedback, while commending the protesters for maintaining order.