The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe protested at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.
Gombe, accompanied by Kogi lawmaker Leke Abejide and supporters, accused a rival group led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to take control of the party in violation of its constitution.
Addressing INEC officials, Gombe urged the commission to follow due process in resolving the dispute and recognise his faction’s leadership.
Abejide also called on the electoral body to resist what he described as an attempted takeover, citing provisions of the party’s constitution on eligibility for leadership positions.
Similarly, ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order and urged the commission to affirm Gombe as national chairman.
Responding, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their petition would be reviewed.
The protest followed a separate demonstration by the Mark-led faction, which accused INEC of undermining the party’s internal leadership structure.
The back-to-back protests highlight deepening divisions within the ADC ahead of future electoral contests.
