The leadership crisis within African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as Nafiu Bala led a protest to the headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding recognition as the party’s authentic national chairman.
Gatekeepers News reports that Bala, who is locked in a leadership tussle with a rival faction led by David Mark, arrived at the commission’s office with supporters to press his claim to the party’s leadership.
During the protest, Bala urged INEC to update its official records to reflect him as chairman, citing a Court of Appeal ruling which he said supports his position.
He accused the rival faction of attempting to unlawfully take over the party, alleging that the group engaged in irregular practices, including the use of forged signatures to legitimise its leadership claim.
The protest came barely 24 hours after the Mark-led faction also staged a demonstration at the electoral body’s headquarters, highlighting the deepening division within the party.
INEC had earlier withdrawn recognition of the party’s leadership following a court directive and stated that it would not monitor any party activities until the legal dispute is resolved.
The crisis is believed to have intensified after the resignation of the party’s former chairman, triggering multiple claims to leadership and raising concerns about the stability of the ADC ahead of future elections.
The situation continues to generate political tension, with both factions seeking legitimacy through protests and legal battles.
