Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Maitama district of Abuja on Wednesday.
The protesters, who included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, were led by a factional National Chairman of the party, David Mark.
Others present at the protest included the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; former Sokoto State Governor and serving senator, Aminu Tambuwal; former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and former senator, Dino Melaye.
They protested INEC’s suspension of the party’s recognition over a leadership dispute between the Mark-led leadership of the party and Nafiu Bala, a former national vice chairman of the party, who claimed he never resigned.
The protesters carried placards and banners with inscriptions that read: “Tinubu, let our Democracy breathe”, “Falle daya ce, one term president” and “I stand with ADC, I stand with Democracy” among others.
The opposition party had accused the electoral body of siding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to block its chances of fielding candidates in 2027.
INEC had suspended the recognition of the ADC last week, in compliance with the Court of Appeal ruling that directed the parties to the suit at the Federal High Court, including INEC, to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the leadership crisis in the opposition party.
Please rewrite story thoroughly with the background story.
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding the restoration of the party’s recognition amid an ongoing leadership crisis.
The protest, held at INEC’s office in the Maitama district of Abuja, drew several prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
The demonstrators were led by a factional National Chairman of the party, David Mark, and also featured other high-profile political figures such as the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; former Sokoto State Governor and serving senator, Aminu Tambuwal; former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; and former senator, Dino Melaye.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Tinubu, let our democracy breathe,” “Falle daya ce, one term president,” and “I stand with ADC, I stand with democracy,” the protesters accused INEC of undermining opposition politics and allegedly siding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Background to the Crisis
The protest follows INEC’s decision to suspend the recognition of the ADC, a move that effectively bars the party from participating in official electoral processes pending the resolution of its internal leadership dispute.
At the heart of the crisis is a tussle over the party’s national leadership between the Mark-led faction and Nafiu Bala, a former National Vice Chairman of the party. Bala has challenged the emergence of the current leadership, insisting he never resigned from his position, thereby questioning the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure.
The dispute escalated into legal action, culminating in a ruling by the Court of Appeal. The appellate court directed all parties involved in the suit, including INEC, to maintain the status quo ante bellum—a legal term meaning the state of affairs before the dispute—pending the final determination of the case at the Federal High Court.
In compliance with the ruling, INEC announced the suspension of its recognition of the ADC’s current leadership, a decision the party insists has far-reaching implications for its political activities and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
