Leadership Crisis Deepens in ADC as Nafiu Gombe Faction Storms INEC Headquarters

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday when a faction led by Nafiu Gombe stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding formal recognition as the party’s authentic leadership.

Gombe, joined by Kogi State lawmaker Leke Abejide and hundreds of supporters, accused the rival David Mark-led leadership of attempting to hijack the party in defiance of its constitution and internal processes.

Addressing INEC officials during the protest, Gombe emphasized adherence to due process. “You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC. As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians from wards, states to national levels,” he said.

Abejide urged the commission to resist what he described as an attempted takeover. He cited the ADC constitution, which requires at least two years of active membership before aspiring for any leadership position. “These people are hijackers, and INEC must follow through by recognizing Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party,” he added.

Mohammed Sahad, ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, commended INEC for complying with a court order but called on the commission to affirm Gombe’s leadership. “INEC needs to do the right thing and do it now. That is why we are here,” he said.

Responding, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed. “I am here on behalf of the chairman, and I believe INEC as a commission will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest,” he said.

The protest follows a rival demonstration by the David Mark-led faction, held just 24 hours earlier at Maitama Roundabout under the banner of #OccupyINEC. That protest drew former presidential candidates, ex-governors, and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, highlighting the party’s internal divisions.

ELIJAH ADEYEMI