Protest at INEC Headquarters Signals Ongoing Leadership Crisis in ADC
Supporters of a faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding official recognition of Nafiu Bala as the party’s national chairman. This protest highlights the ongoing tension and leadership struggle within the party.
Leading the demonstration, Bala and his followers referenced a judgment from the Abuja Regional Court of Appeal, delivered on March 12, 2026. They insisted that adhering to this court ruling is crucial for upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
The protest comes against the backdrop of a prolonged leadership dispute, with rival factions vying for control of the ADC’s national structure. Demonstrators voiced their frustrations with chants and signs declaring, “Obey the courts,” “INEC must recognize Nafiu Bala as chairman,” and “No to impunity.”
Despite their fervent calls, security personnel prevented the protesters from entering the INEC premises, an action that only added to the tensions surrounding the event.
In a statement to the media on Monday, Abimiku, Special Advisor on Strategy to the ADC Chairman, criticized INEC for allegedly ignoring valid court orders. He noted that the party had formally notified INEC of the Court of Appeal’s decision through their legal representatives on March 15, followed by a second warning letter about potential contempt proceedings on March 27.
Abimiku expressed grave concern over INEC’s failure to comply with judicial decisions, emphasizing that such disregard could erode public trust in democratic institutions. He remarked, “If public bodies, especially those responsible for overseeing elections, choose to disregard higher court orders, it sends a dangerous message that the rule of law is arbitrary.”
Another protest co-convenor, Abdullahi Ahmed, reaffirmed that the demonstration aimed to uphold democratic principles and defend the electoral system’s integrity. Basah Mohammed, leader of the Federation of Civil Society Organizations, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the protests were not politically motivated but aimed at preserving the credibility of public institutions.
Danielson Momo, an activist, cautioned that ongoing conflicts within the ADC could disrupt the upcoming elections, referencing how previous political crises led to legal entanglements. Co-convenor Igwe Ude Umanta further clarified that the appellate court’s direction regarding the status quo has been consistently upheld by the Supreme Court, asserting that the current leadership under David Mark should not be recognized.
In response to the protesters, INEC’s Deputy Director-General for Security, Mohammed Hamma, urged calm, explaining that the commission’s leadership was currently out of Abuja for official engagements. He assured the demonstrators that their petitions would be addressed, despite the management team’s absence from the office.
