ABUJA — The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a dramatic turn on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe staged a counter-protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja .
Gombe, who arrived at the commission’s office alongside House of Representatives member Hon. Leke Abejide and hundreds of supporters, demanded that INEC immediately recognise him as the authentic National Chairman of the party .
The protest comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction, led by former Senate President David Mark and backed by heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, held a massive #OccupyINEC demonstration at the same venue .
Addressing the crowd and INEC officials, Gombe did not mince words as he accused the opposition grandees of attempting to hijack the party through undemocratic means. “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. We don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy,” Gombe declared .
Leke Abejide reinforced this position, insisting that the party’s constitution clearly bars new entrants from immediately assuming leadership positions. “How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day? The party constitution is clear: you must spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before aspiring for any position,” Abejide stated .
INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, who received the protesters on behalf of the commission, assured them that their grievances would be reviewed and a formal response issued in due course .
Tags: #ADCCrisis, #NafiuGombe, #LekeAbejide, Atiku Abubakar, #PeterObi, Kwankwaso, David Mark, INEC Protest, Nigerian Politics, 2027 Elections
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