ADC Stages Peaceful Protest at INEC Headquarters Over Leadership Recognition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) organized a significant peaceful demonstration on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The protest centered on demanding the official recognition of Nafiu Bala as the party's National Chairman, in accordance with a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
Demand for Judicial Compliance and Constitutional Order
Led by Nafiu Bala himself, the protesters vocally called upon INEC to adhere to the subsisting judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on March 12, 2026. They cautioned the electoral body against any actions that could potentially undermine ongoing judicial proceedings related to the matter. During the demonstration, Abimiku Monday, the Special Adviser on Strategy to the ADC Chairman, addressed the crowd, urging INEC to respect the court's directive.
Monday emphasized that the judgment explicitly instructed all involved parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum and to refrain from any conduct that could prejudice the pending proceedings before the Federal High Court. He cited Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates strict compliance with decisions of the Court of Appeal, asserting that the ruling is legally binding on all authorities, including INEC.
Formal Notifications and Threats of Contempt Proceedings
The ADC representative disclosed that the party had formally notified INEC through its legal representatives on March 15, 2026, regarding the court judgment. A follow-up letter was sent on March 27, demanding full compliance within a seven-day period. Failure to comply, Monday warned, could result in contempt proceedings being initiated against the commission's leadership.
"The persistent refusal of INEC to comply with a valid court order is a matter of grave concern," Monday stated. "This disregard for judicial authority undermines the rule of law and threatens the very foundation of our democracy. It is imperative to recognize that no institution in Nigeria is above the law."
He further elaborated that when a public institution, especially one responsible for overseeing elections, chooses to ignore the orders of a superior court, it sends a dangerous message that the rule of law is optional. Such actions, he argued, not only erode public trust in democratic institutions but also set a precedent with far-reaching implications for Nigeria's democratic future.
Protest Objectives and Broader Democratic Concerns
Abdullahi Ahmed, the convener of the protest, explained that the demonstration was strategically aimed at reinforcing the rule of law and protecting the integrity of Nigeria's democratic system. Ahmed warned that INEC's failure to comply with the court order could significantly weaken public trust in the electoral body and democratic governance as a whole.
"When a public institution ignores a superior court ruling, it sends a dangerous message that the rule of law is optional," Ahmed remarked, echoing the concerns raised by Monday. The protesters collectively demanded:
- Immediate compliance with the appellate court's directive.
- Restoration of the status quo as it existed prior to the legal dispute.
- An immediate cessation of any actions that could undermine the ongoing legal proceedings.
Throughout the protest, participants chanted slogans such as "Obey the Court," "Respect the Constitution," and "No to impunity," calling on citizens to stand firm in defending constitutional order.
INEC's Response and Current Situation
In response to the protesters, Mohammed Hamma, INEC's Assistant Director of Security, addressed the gathering. He informed them that the commission's leadership, including the Chairman, was currently out of Abuja, attending an official engagement in Lagos.
"Unfortunately, the Chairman is not around. They are all in Lagos attending a workshop," Hamma said. "INEC does not have anything to hide. If representatives return after the break, they can follow up on the matter."
The protest concluded peacefully, with the ADC vowing to continue its advocacy until INEC fully complies with the Court of Appeal judgment. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and electoral authorities regarding adherence to judicial rulings and the broader principles of democratic governance in Nigeria.
