Tensions boiled over within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as rival factions continue to feud over party leadership, prompting a major security operation at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja.
On Thursday, armed soldiers and heavily equipped police officers were deployed to INEC’s premises after reports that aggrieved ADC members were planning mass protests over recent decisions affecting the party’s leadership.
Photos circulating online show a significant presence of Nigerian Army personnel around the commission, with armoured tanks and police officers carrying assault rifles and other weapons.
Sources revealed that the security deployment is a response to intelligence indicating potential unrest linked to the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
The standoff follows INEC’s announcement on Wednesday removing David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary, citing ongoing court proceedings. The commission said the action was in line with “preservatory orders” from the Court of Appeal, instructing all parties to maintain the status quo until the Federal High Court rules on the matter.
The court order arises from a legal battle between Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and other party leaders, with competing factions claiming legitimate control of the ADC. INEC noted it had received conflicting communications from both sides, with one faction rejecting Gombe’s claim as acting chairman, while another demanded full recognition of the appellate court ruling.
To prevent further escalation, INEC declared it would suspend recognition of any faction and would not engage with any group until the court delivers a final judgment.
“The Commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups… and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group,” INEC said.
The decision has sparked outrage among ADC members, with some accusing the electoral body of bias and political interference. By Thursday morning, security forces had cordoned off sections of INEC’s headquarters, restricting movement and maintaining a strong presence to prevent unrest.
