The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for formal recognition of their leadership.

Gombe, accompanied by Kogi State lawmaker Leke Abejide and hundreds of supporters, accused the David Mark-led faction of attempting to seize control of the party in violation of its constitution and internal processes.

Addressing INEC officials during the demonstration, Gombe emphasized the need for due process in resolving the leadership 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,” he said. “As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians, from wards and states to the national level.”

Abejide echoed Gombe’s sentiments, urging the commission to resist what he described as an attempted takeover of the party. He highlighted the ADC constitution, which stipulates that members must serve at least two years before seeking leadership positions. “We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. The commission has not erred. These individuals are hijackers, and INEC must restore the status quo by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party,” he said.

Also speaking at the protest, ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation Mohammed Sahad commended INEC for adhering to a court order but called on the commission to formally affirm Gombe’s leadership. “INEC has not erred and we commend the commission for obeying the court order. However, they need to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC,” Sahad said.

Responding to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured them that their concerns would be reviewed.