ADC Factional Leader Nafiu Bala Stages Protest at INEC Headquarters
Nafiu Bala Gombe, a factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has taken his protest to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in a bold move to demand recognition as the rightful National Chairman of the party. The protest, which unfolded recently, highlights ongoing internal tensions within the ADC and underscores the seriousness of the leadership dispute that has plagued the party for months.
Key Supporters Amplify the Protest's Impact
Joining Nafiu Bala Gombe in the protest is Leke Abejide, a sitting ADC House of Representatives Member, whose presence adds significant political weight to the demands. Abejide's involvement signals that the leadership conflict extends beyond mere factional squabbles, reflecting deeper divisions within the party's ranks. Additionally, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria have rallied in support, bringing youth engagement to the forefront and demonstrating that the issue resonates with a broader demographic beyond traditional party lines.
The central demand of the protest is unequivocal: INEC must officially recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the legitimate ADC National Chairman. According to Gombe, "INEC must acknowledge the will of the people and respect the party's internal decision." This call for recognition comes amid a backdrop of legal battles and factional claims that have led to INEC derecognising both Gombe's group and the rival faction led by David Mark, the interim National Chairman.
Background of the ADC Leadership Crisis
The ADC has been embroiled in internal crises since July 2025, when David Mark, a former Senate President and retired Brigadier General, assumed the role of interim National Chairman after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party. Mark has maintained that "ADC is not in crisis," insisting on party unity despite protests from factions like Gombe's. However, the disputes have escalated into court cases, with the March 12 Court of Appeal judgment contributing to INEC's decision to derecognise both leadership claims.
Nafiu Bala Gombe's protest is not an isolated incident; it follows his earlier attendance at the party's unveiling of the interim leadership in July 2025, as captured in viral videos. This ongoing struggle highlights the challenges facing the ADC as it navigates factional tensions and seeks to maintain credibility ahead of future political activities. The outcome of INEC's response could significantly shape the party's direction and influence its standing in the political landscape.
As the protest continues, it underscores the broader implications for political parties in Nigeria, where leadership disputes often spill into public demonstrations and legal arenas. The involvement of youth groups and elected officials like Leke Abejide suggests that the ADC's internal issues may have wider repercussions, potentially affecting voter confidence and party cohesion in the run-up to elections.
