THE leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition.
News Point Nigeria reports that Gombe, joined by Kogi lawmaker Leke Abejide and hundreds of supporters, accused the David Mark-led faction of attempting to unlawfully seize control of the party in violation of its constitution and established processes.
Speaking during the protest, Gombe urged the electoral commission to adhere strictly to due process in resolving the dispute.
“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.
Also addressing INEC officials, Abejide called on the commission to resist what he described as an attempted takeover, stressing that the party’s constitution clearly defines eligibility criteria for leadership positions.
“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?” he said.
“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,” he added.
In the same vein, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, praised INEC for complying with a court order but urged it to go further by formally recognising Gombe’s leadership.
“INEC has not erred in any way. In fact, we commend the commission for obeying the court order. But they need to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC.
“INEC needs to do the right thing and do it now. That is why we are here,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their concerns would be considered.
“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,” he said.
The protest comes just a day after a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark organised a separate demonstration in Abuja under the #OccupyINEC banner, accusing the electoral body of undermining democracy and interfering in the party’s internal affairs.