The leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Thursday as a faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding recognition as the legitimate leadership of the party.
Gombe, who was joined by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State, and scores of supporters, accused a rival camp aligned with former Senate President David Mark of attempting to take control of the party’s structure in violation of its constitution.
Addressing officials of the electoral body during the demonstration, Gombe insisted that INEC must adhere to due process in resolving the dispute and resist any attempt to impose a leadership on the party.
“We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. No one should come through the back door to overturn the owners of the ADC,” he said.
“As democrats, we will not allow moneybags to undermine democracy. The ADC belongs to Nigerians at all levels — from the wards to the national leadership.”
Also speaking, Abejide called on the electoral commission to stand firm against what he described as an attempt to hijack the party, noting that the ADC constitution clearly spells out the requirements for anyone seeking to hold leadership positions within the party.
“We are here to ask INEC to do the right thing and protect democracy from those attempting to seize control of the party,” he said.
“The constitution of the ADC clearly states that anyone aspiring to a leadership position must have been an active member of the party for at least two years. The commission should therefore maintain the status quo and recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman.”
In the same vein, the party’s Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, praised INEC for complying with a court order relating to the dispute but urged the commission to go further by officially recognising Gombe’s leadership.
“INEC has not done anything wrong so far. In fact, we commend the commission for respecting the court order. However, it should also recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC,” he said.
Receiving the protesters on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured them that their petition would be examined and that the commission would respond accordingly.
“I am here on behalf of the chairman. The commission will review your letter and provide feedback. Thank you for conducting your protest peacefully,” he said.
The protest comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction of the party, led by David Mark, held a large demonstration in Abuja under the banner #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions they claimed were undermining democratic principles and the internal leadership structure of the ADC.
The earlier rally, which took place at the Maitama Roundabout, attracted several prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates, former governors and hundreds of supporters, many of whom were linked to the Obedient movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement.