Isaac Samuel
The leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) worsened on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.
Gombe, accompanied by Leke Abejide and scores of supporters, accused the faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark of attempting to hijack the party’s structure in breach of its constitution.
Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe urged the commission to adhere strictly to due process, warning against actions that could undermine internal party democracy.
He insisted that the ADC cannot be taken over through the “backdoor,” stressing that the party belongs to members across all levels, from the wards to the national leadership.
Also speaking, Abejide called on INEC to resist what he described as an attempted takeover, noting that the party’s constitution clearly outlines eligibility criteria for leadership positions.
According to him, no individual can aspire to leadership without fulfilling the constitutional requirement of at least two years of active membership, adding that any attempt to sidestep the process amounts to illegality.
He, therefore, urged the commission to restore the status quo by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the party.
In the same vein, the party’s Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order but insisted that further steps must be taken to affirm Gombe’s leadership.
He maintained that while the commission had acted within the law, it must go further by formally recognising Gombe as the legitimate chairman.
Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.
He said the commission would study their submission and provide appropriate feedback, while also commending the group for conducting a peaceful protest.
