ADC Crisis deepens as Nafiu Bala leads protest at INEC Headquarters

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as party chieftain Nafiu Bala led a group of supporters to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

Bala, who is laying claim to the party’s national chairmanship, is currently locked in a legal battle with a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark. His protest came barely 24 hours after the Mark-led group staged a similar demonstration at the commission’s office.

Addressing supporters during the march, Bala urged INEC to recognise him as the authentic national chairman of the ADC, citing a Court of Appeal ruling. He accused the opposing faction of attempting to unlawfully take over the party’s leadership structure.

“The incident involving the unauthorised transfer of power to David Mark and his associates raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of governance and the rule of law,” Bala said.

He further alleged that the Mark faction engaged in fraudulent practices to legitimise its position.

“The intruders, by rudely forging the signatures of genuine members and leaders of the ADC, not only undermined the democratic process but also violated the trust vested in these representatives by their constituents,” he stated.

Bala warned that such actions could erode public confidence in political institutions and foster a culture of impunity among the electorate.

He also called on relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability, noting that the crisis intensified following the resignation of former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.

The factional leader urged INEC to update its official records to reflect his position, insisting that doing so would align with the court’s ruling and help stabilise the party.

The ADC leadership tussle has deepened in recent weeks, with both factions trading accusations and seeking legitimacy through legal and political channels, even as INEC maintains its stance of non-recognition pending a final court decision.