Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, are leading a mass protest in Abuja against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the ongoing leadership crisis in the party.
The demonstration is taking place around Maitama, the location of INEC’s headquarters, as supporters rally behind their leaders to demand recognition and protest the electoral body’s decision to remove the names of Senator David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from the official ADC leadership list.
Peter Obi called on Nigerians to join what he described as a fight to defend democracy. On X, he wrote: “We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed. We say NO to a one-party system and for that today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land.”
The protest comes after INEC, citing a court dispute over the party’s leadership, removed the names of the National Working Committee of the ADC led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal. The commission also announced it would suspend recognition of any faction within the ADC until the Federal High Court in Abuja resolves the case.
INEC explained that the move aligns with the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum, preventing any party action that could influence ongoing legal proceedings. “Parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step… capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court,” the electoral body said in a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The decision has generated criticism from opposition figures and members of the public, with many accusing President Bola Tinubu of allegedly fueling leadership crises within opposition parties to consolidate power and create a de facto one-party system.
INEC noted that it has received conflicting legal communications from factions of the ADC, with one side rejecting the recognition of Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting chairman, while the other faction demands full enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment.