A faction of the African Democratic Congress staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja. The demonstrators demanded that the commission recognize Nafiu Bala as the party’s national chairman.
The protesters marched to the INEC office on Wednesday. They chanted solidarity songs and carried placards. Some inscriptions on the placards read “Obey the Court,” “INEC must recognise Nafiu Bala as Chairman,” and “No to impunity.”
Nafiu Bala led the group during the demonstration. The faction cited a Court of Appeal judgment in its demand. Bala and his supporters urged INEC officials to comply with the ruling and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing judicial proceedings.
The protest occurred after INEC decided to stop accepting correspondence from either faction of the African Democratic Congress. The commission took this step following a review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12. INEC officials stated that they would remain neutral until the leadership dispute was fully resolved.
Protesters argued that the decision favored one side in the internal crisis. They insisted that the electoral body must respect court orders. One faction representative said the move amounted to interference in the party’s affairs.
Meanwhile another faction led by Senator David Mark also held related activities around the same period. Leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Aminu Tambuwal joined demonstrations that addressed broader concerns about INEC’s handling of the ADC matter.
The African Democratic Congress has experienced leadership divisions for some time. Supporters of Nafiu Bala maintained that the Court of Appeal judgment validated their position. They called on INEC to act accordingly without delay.
INEC has not issued an immediate response to the specific demands from the Bala faction. Commission officials previously explained that they suspended recognition of both groups to prevent escalation of the crisis.
The protest remained peaceful throughout the day. Security personnel monitored the gathering as demonstrators dispersed after presenting their petition.
Political observers noted that the development highlighted ongoing tensions within opposition parties ahead of future electoral cycles. The factional dispute continues to test the independence of the electoral umpire.
