ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens as Rival Faction Protests at INEC Headquarters

A fresh wave of internal crisis has hit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a rival faction of the party, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, staged a protest on Thursday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The demonstrators, who gathered in significant numbers, called on a separate faction reportedly aligned with prominent political figures—including David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—to desist from interfering in the party’s internal affairs.

Leading the protest, Nafiu Bala Gombe insisted that the integrity and independence of the ADC must be preserved, warning against what he described as external influence and imposition of leadership within the party structure.

He was joined by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, who represents a constituency in Kogi State. Abejide echoed concerns over what the group termed attempts to destabilise the party through parallel leadership claims.

The protesters urged INEC to uphold the rule of law by strictly adhering to a recent court ruling concerning the party’s leadership dispute. They specifically called on the electoral body to maintain the “status quo ante bellum”—a legal term referring to the state of affairs before the emergence of the current conflict—pending final resolution of the matter.

Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards, the group emphasised the need for transparency, judicial compliance, and neutrality in the commission’s handling of party affairs.

The development marks a further escalation in the ADC’s internal wrangling, raising concerns about the party’s stability ahead of future political engagements.

ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens as Rival Faction Protests at INEC Headquarters

Court Stops ADC Congress, Orders Status Quo in Leadership Row

A High Court in Katsina State has issued an interim order restraining key members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from parading themselves as officials of the party in the state and barred the conduct of any party congress pending the determination of a suit before the court.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by Usman Wamba, who claims to be the legitimate Katsina State Chairman of the ADC. Wamba approached the court to challenge what he described as attempts by rival party members to usurp his position and authority.

In a ruling delivered by Justice A. K. Tukur on April 7, 2026, the court restrained Lawan Batagarawa and Babangida Ibrahim Mahuta from presenting themselves as leaders or stakeholders of the ADC Katsina chapter. They were also prohibited from conducting any party activities or organising congresses until the motion on notice is fully heard and determined.

READ ALSO:

• US Evacuates Embassy Staff in Nigeria, Lists 23 States as ‘Do Not Travel’
• #OccupyINEC: ADC Protests in Abuja, Demands INEC Chairman’s Resignation
• South African Protesters Force Closure of Nigerian-Owned Nightclub

The court further restrained the national leadership of the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising, supervising, or participating in any congress organised by the defendants in Katsina State. Justice Tukur ordered all parties to maintain the status quo concerning leadership and activities of the party in the state.

Additionally, the court granted Wamba leave to serve the defendants outside Katsina State, including in Abuja, via courier. The substantive hearing of the motion has been scheduled for April 15, 2026.

ADC’s Katsina State legal adviser, Barrister Mustapha Shiru Mahuta, confirmed receipt of the court order, saying the party’s legal team was reviewing it and preparing for further actions.

The injunction comes amid a protracted leadership crisis within the ADC Katsina chapter, which has seen rival factions claiming legitimate authority ahead of congresses intended to position the party for the 2027 general elections. The court’s ruling effectively halts all planned congresses at ward, local government, and state levels in Katsina.

Political analysts note that the case highlights how internal party disputes can escalate into legal battles, disrupting organisational structures and delaying preparations for wider political engagement.

Court Stops ADC Congress, Orders Status Quo in Leadership Row

#OccupyINEC: ADC Protests in Abuja, Demands INEC Chairman’s Resignation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) led a massive protest in Abuja on Tuesday under the hashtag #OccupyINEC, calling for the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan. The party accused INEC of partisanship, constitutional violations, and interference in internal party affairs, actions it says threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.

ADC Protests in Abuja

The demonstration began at the Maitama Roundabout and drew a host of prominent political figures, including former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and ex-Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye. Their presence highlighted the seriousness of the protest and amplified public attention.

ADC leaders accused the INEC Chairman of overstepping his constitutional authority, especially in matters related to court rulings and party leadership disputes. According to the party, INEC’s actions — including publicly interpreting court judgments — encroach on the judiciary’s exclusive powers and undermine the credibility of the electoral system.

READ ALSO:

• South African Protesters Force Closure of Nigerian-Owned Nightclub
• Lookman Stars as Atletico Madrid Beat 10-Man Barcelona 2-0
• Imported Petrol 12% Cheaper Than Dangote Fuel – World Bank

The protest also comes amid ongoing internal ADC disputes, which INEC has been accused of complicating by attempting to influence or reverse prior decisions regarding the party’s leadership structure. ADC insists that all internal processes were transparent and had been acknowledged by INEC in sworn affidavits.

During the demonstration, ADC presented six formal demands to INEC:

1. Immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman.
2. Withdrawal of “offensive” correspondence sent to the party.
3. Formal apology from INEC.
4. Clear commitment to non-interference in political party affairs.
5. Restoration of public trust in the electoral process.
6. Implementation of reforms to ensure neutrality and transparency in future elections.

The party warned that failure to comply would trigger legal action and civic mobilisation, including judicial proceedings to hold the commission accountable. “The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” ADC stated.

The protest saw supporters carrying placards and banners highlighting support for ADC leadership and denouncing perceived INEC bias. Party leaders emphasized that their action is aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democratic values ahead of the 2027 general elections.

#OccupyINEC: ADC Protests in Abuja, Demands INEC Chairman’s Resignation