Peaceful Protest at INEC Headquarters Demands Recognition of Nafiu Bala
A peaceful demonstration took place on Wednesday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, with protesters calling for the official acknowledgment of Nafiu Bala as the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Call for Judicial Compliance
Leading the protest, Bala urged INEC to adhere to the recent ruling from the Court of Appeal. He emphasized the importance of respecting the judicial process and cautioned against any actions that might undermine its integrity.
Championing the Rule of Law
During the rally, Abhimik Bala, Special Assistant on Strategy, reiterated the need for the committee to honor the March 12, 2026 judgment issued by the Abuja Regional Court of Appeal. The protesters voiced their demands through slogans such as “obey the courts,” “respect the constitution,” and “no to impunity,” urging citizens to defend the constitutional framework.
Judicial Authority Must Be Respected
Abhimik Bala clarified that the judgment instructed all involved parties to maintain calm and to avoid actions that could negatively impact ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court. He further stressed that compliance with the ruling is not optional, citing Article 287(2) of the amended 1999 Constitution, which mandates adherence to Court of Appeal decisions.
Legal Notifications Issued to INEC
On March 15, 2026, the party officially informed INEC through legal channels and followed up with a request on March 27 for full compliance within a week, threatening contempt proceedings against the commission’s leadership if they failed to act.
Concerns Over Disregard for Judicial Orders
“INEC’s ongoing refusal to acknowledge lawful court orders raises serious concerns,” Monday remarked. “Such disregard undermines the rule of law and jeopardizes the core principles of our democracy. It is imperative that no institution in Nigeria operates above the law.” He warned that ignoring court orders by public bodies tasked with overseeing elections communicates a troubling message about the arbitrariness of the rule of law.
Implications for Democratic Governance
Abdullahi Ahmed, the protest convenor, asserted that the demonstration aimed to bolster the rule of law and protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He echoed concerns that INEC’s noncompliance with court directives could erode public trust in electoral bodies and democratic governance. “Disregarding higher court decisions sends a precarious message about the rule of law,” he stated.
INEC Responds to Protest
In response to the protesters, Mohammed Hamma, INEC’s Deputy Director-General for Security, indicated that the commission’s leadership was out of Abuja attending official engagements in Lagos. “Unfortunately, the Chairman is not present as they are attending a workshop. INEC has nothing to hide, and we will address this issue once our representatives return,” he assured.
