ADC's Abejide Leads INEC Protest, Demands Recognition for Bala as Chairman
House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, spearheaded a peaceful demonstration at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja yesterday. The protest, organized by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called for the immediate recognition of Nafiu Bala as the party's National Chairman. This action comes amid escalating internal conflicts and legal challenges within the ADC, as preparations for the 2027 general elections gain momentum.
Protest Highlights and Demands
During the rally, Bala and Abejide addressed supporters, emphasizing the need for INEC to upload Bala's name to its official portal. Bala cited a subsisting Court of Appeal order, urging the electoral body to adhere to the rule of law and maintain the status quo ante bellum. He stated, "This is not just a personal request, but a plea for justice, accountability and adherence to the rule of law." Abejide reinforced this by urging INEC to resist any attempts to hijack the party, pointing to the ADC constitution's eligibility criteria that require active membership for at least two years before aspiring to leadership positions.
Legal and Internal Challenges
In a parallel development, a faction led by Senator David Mark has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025. The suit seeks to compel INEC to reverse its decision to remove the names of Mark, listed as National Chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, from its records. Through his counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), Mark argued that INEC misinterpreted the appellate court's directive, creating a vacuum within the party's structure.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the ADC's National Working Committee (NWC), alleged internal and external threats aimed at destabilizing the party. In Enugu, he accused certain members of acting as "moles" in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt scheduled congresses. Okonkwo detailed how a former governor and an NWC member had orchestrated confusion, affecting the party's activities in the state, but affirmed that Enugu ADC remains supportive of David Mark's leadership.
INEC's Response and External Support
In response to the protest, INEC, represented by National Commissioner (North-West) Abdullahi Zuru, assured that the commission would review the demands presented. This commitment comes as civil society and youth organizations expressed strong support for INEC. Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), highlighted concerns that recurring protests could distract INEC from its constitutional duties, urging political parties to resolve internal disputes through constructive dialogue.
Babangida Isah, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), echoed this sentiment, stating that Nigerian youths would not allow INEC to be drawn into partisan politics. He praised the INEC chairman's efforts to strengthen democracy and called for political matters to be kept separate from the commission's activities.
Broader Implications
The ongoing disputes within the ADC underscore broader challenges in Nigeria's political landscape, as parties grapple with internal rifts ahead of the 2027 elections. The protests and legal actions highlight the critical role of INEC in upholding electoral integrity and the rule of law. As stakeholders call for accountability and adherence to constitutional processes, the resolution of these conflicts will be pivotal in shaping the party's future and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.
