By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by its embattled former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, has staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.
Members of the faction arrived at INEC’s headquarters on Thursday, April 9, led by Bala alongside a member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, Leke Abejide.
The group accused the faction of the party led by former Senate President, David Mark, of attempting to take control of the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution and established internal procedures.
While addressing INEC officials during the protest, Bala urged the commission to adhere to due process in resolving the dispute.
He also condemned what he described as the David Mark-led faction’s attempt to hijack the party “through the window.”
“We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC.
“As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians, from wards, states to national levels,” he said.
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In his speech, Abejide urged INEC to “do the right thing” by recognising Nafiu Bala as the national chairman of the ADC, stressing that the party’s constitution clearly defines eligibility criteria for leadership positions.
He said, “We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day? Which political platform is that done?
“The party constitution is clear about this. You have to spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before you can aspire for any position. It is clear that the commission has not erred. These people are hijackers, and INEC must follow through on reverting to status quo ante bellum by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party.”
In his response, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, the INEC National Commissioner, assured the protesters that the commission would review their complaints.
Zuru said, “I am here on behalf of the chairman, and I believe INEC, as a commission, will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest.”
The protest by the Bala-led faction of the ADC comes a day after another faction of the ADC protested to the electoral body’s headquarters, demanding recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the party.
The Wednesday protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, had prominent members of the ADC, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi; and the National Chairman of the ADC and former Senate President, David Mark.
Other leaders of the ADC who joined in the protest were former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso; former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; and former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye.
The protesters gathered at Maitama Roundabout on Wednesday, April 8, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Tinubu, why are you afraid?’ ‘Judges must give justice,’ ‘Let democracy breathe,’ and ‘In David Mark’s NWC we trust,’ among others.
