ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala protests at INEC headquarters over leadership dispute...

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe on Thursday staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja over the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

CBI News reports that the protesters called on a rival faction associated with David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to “leave the party alone.”

Gombe, who was joined by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, urged INEC to respect a recent court ruling and maintain the “Status Quo Ante Bellum” in recognising the party’s leadership.

Protesters also demanded adherence to judicial decisions and transparency in the electoral process.

Addressing INEC officials, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the dispute.

“We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC,” he said.

“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.”

Also speaking, Abejide warned against what he described as an attempt to hijack the party, stressing that the ADC constitution clearly defines eligibility for leadership positions.

“We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day?” he said.

“The party constitution is clear about this. You have to spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before you can aspire for any position.”

He added that the electoral commission should uphold the court position by recognising Gombe as the party’s national chairman.