In a dramatic show of force on Wednesday, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and ex-Governor Peter Obi led a throng of supporters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding intervention in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
As reported by Daily Trust, prominent figures including Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Dino Melaye, and David Mark joined the protest, highlighting the scale of the opposition’s discontent with INEC.
The party has accused the electoral body of bias, claiming it is undermining ADC’s ability to field candidates for the 2027 elections.
INEC, however, dismissed the allegation, insisting it is acting within the confines of the law.
The protest follows INEC’s controversial removal of David Mark, the ADC National Chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s National Secretary, from its official portal, a decision anchored on a Court of Appeal ruling.
The leadership tussle dates back to July 2025, when Nafiu Bala, then Deputy National Vice Chairman of ADC, challenged Mark’s ratification as National Chairman.
Bala argued that he should assume the chairmanship following the resignation of the previous executive committee.
He subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an injunction to prevent Mark and his National Working Committee from presenting themselves as the party’s leaders and urged INEC to recognize him instead.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted Bala’s request in September 2025, but Mark’s appeal against the ruling was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in March 2026, which also issued preservatory orders reinforcing the lower court’s decision.
Bala has continued to pursue legal action to restrain the ADC from conducting internal activities or seeking recognition from INEC pending the outcome of ongoing litigation.
INEC confirmed last week that it had received multiple conflicting claims from both factions and reaffirmed that it will comply strictly with the Court of Appeal’s directives in resolving the matter.
The ADC crisis has now reached a public flashpoint, with Wednesday’s massive demonstration signaling deepening political tension as the 2027 elections approach.