Politics
ADC Crisis Deepens as Nafiu Bala Gombe Leads Protest at INEC, Submits Petition Against David Mark-Led Leadership
The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as factional National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition of his leadership.
Gombe, accompanied by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, and supporters including members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, submitted a formal petition to the electoral body challenging the legitimacy of the rival leadership led by David Mark.
Protest and Petition to INEC
Addressing INEC officials during the demonstration, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the party’s leadership dispute, accusing the Mark-led faction of attempting to hijack the party structure.
“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,” he said.
He further warned against external influence, stating that the party belongs to members at all levels and should not be taken over by “moneybags.”
Abejide also backed Gombe’s claims, urging INEC to resist what he described as an unconstitutional takeover attempt and to uphold the party’s guidelines on leadership eligibility.
INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, who received the petition on behalf of the commission, assured the protesters that their complaints would be reviewed and a response communicated.
Rival Protest by David Mark-Led Faction
The latest protest comes just 24 hours after the rival ADC faction led by David Mark staged its own demonstration in Abuja under the #OccupyINEC banner, accusing the electoral body of undermining internal democracy within the party.
That protest reportedly drew prominent political figures and supporters, highlighting the deep divisions within the party as both factions push competing claims to legitimacy.
Growing Tensions Ahead of 2027
The back-to-back protests underscore a worsening leadership tussle within the ADC, raising concerns about the party’s unity and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With both factions insisting on recognition and mobilising supporters publicly, the crisis is increasingly spilling beyond internal party structures into the national political space.
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