ADC Faction Protests at INEC Over Leadership Dispute

Supporters of a faction within Nigeria's African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, demanding official recognition of Bala as the party's national chairman amid an escalating leadership dispute.

The demonstration, which drew hundreds of participants including House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, followed a similar action by a rival faction the previous day. Protesters carried placards with messages such as "Leave Our Party Alone" and "Woe to Political Marauders," accusing prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark of attempting to hijack the party's leadership. Bala, addressing the crowd and INEC officials, cited a Court of Appeal ruling in support of his claim and alleged that the opposing group had forged signatures and violated party rules.

"You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC," Bala said. "As democrats, we don't want any moneybags to come and destroy...