ADC faction storms INEC and demands recognition of Bala…

Supporters of a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) marched to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the recognition of Nafiu Bala as the party’s national president.

The protesters, led by Bala, have hinged their demand on a March 12, 2026 ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which they say affirms his leadership and must be implemented by the electoral umpire.

The demonstration is the latest development in the party’s growing leadership crisis, with rival groups fighting for control of the ADC’s national structure. Protesters carried placards reading “Obey the Court”, “INEC must recognize Nafiu Bala” and “No to impunity”, while singing songs of solidarity. Security agents, however, prevented them from entering INEC premises.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Special Adviser on Strategy to the ADC President, Abimiku, accused INEC of ignoring a valid ruling of the court. He said the party formally wrote to the commission on March 15 and again on March 27, warning that continued refusal to comply could amount to contempt of court.

He said the commission’s alleged disregard for judicial orders undermines public trust and threatens democratic stability. “When an institution responsible for elections ignores a higher court, it sends the dangerous message that the rule of law is optional,” he added.

Another co-convener, Abdullahi Ahmed, said the protest aimed to defend democratic values, while Basah Mohammed of the League of Civil Society Groups stressed that the action was non-partisan and intended to protect institutional credibility.

Mohammed said INEC must maintain neutrality and resist political interference. He also urged the National Assembly to intensify oversight to ensure that public institutions act within constitutional limits.

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Activist Danielson Momoh warned that continued disobedience of court orders could create electoral complications, while co-convener Igwe Ude-Umanta argued that the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum clearly favors Bala’s leadership.

According to him, “The ruling refers to the state of affairs before the resumption of hostilities. This means that the faction led by David Mark should not be recognized. INEC’s continued engagement with them is unacceptable.”

Responding to the protesters, INEC Deputy Director of Security Mohammed Hamma appealed for calm, explaining that the President and National Commissioners were in Lagos for an official seminar. He assured the group that their petition will be forwarded to the relevant authorities.

“We will confirm receipt and ensure that the document reaches the president,” he said.

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