Politics
BREAKING: Armed Soldiers, Tanks Storm INEC Abuja Amid ADC Protest Threat
Heavy security presence was observed on Thursday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja following threats of a mass protest by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Armed soldiers and heavily equipped operatives of the Nigeria Police Force were deployed around the commission’s premises, with armoured tanks positioned strategically to secure the area and prevent potential unrest.
The development comes amid rising tensions within the ADC, which is currently grappling with a deepening leadership crisis that has split the party into rival factions.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the show of force is connected to intelligence reports indicating that aggrieved party members were planning to stage a protest at the INEC headquarters over recent decisions affecting the party’s leadership structure.
On Wednesday, INEC announced the removal of the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.
According to the commission, the action was taken in compliance with preservatory orders issued by the Court of Appeal, directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC explained that the legal dispute involves multiple factions within the party, including a contest between Mark and another party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, over the rightful leadership of the ADC.
“The names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum,” the commission stated.
The electoral body further revealed that it had received conflicting communications from rival factions, with one group warning against recognising Gombe as acting chairman, while another demanded full implementation of the appellate court ruling.
Amid the confusion, INEC declared that it would suspend recognition of any faction of the ADC pending a final court judgment.
“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups… and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group,” INEC added.
The situation has triggered outrage among some party members, who accuse the commission of bias and political interference.
As of Thursday morning, security operatives had cordoned off parts of the INEC headquarters, restricting movement in and out of the facility while maintaining a strong presence to deter any breakdown of law and order.
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