A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Nafiu Gombe, on Thursday staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition.
The group accused another faction of the party, allegedly led by former Senate President, David Mark, of hijacking the party’s structure and leadership.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Gombe said the demonstration was necessary to draw the attention of INEC to what he described as an “illegal takeover” of the party by individuals not duly elected through constitutional processes.
He maintained that his faction remained the authentic leadership of the ADC and called on INEC to recognise it as such in line with the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.
“We are here to demand justice and fairness. The commission must not lend legitimacy to any group that emerged outside due process,” Gombe said.
The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, urged the electoral umpire to investigate the leadership dispute within the party and ensure neutrality in its dealings.
They also called on party members and stakeholders to resist any attempt to impose leadership outside established guidelines.
The ADC has in recent times been embroiled in internal leadership disputes, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s national structure.
