For the second time in as many days, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, intensifying the party’s lingering leadership crisis.
Unlike the earlier demonstration, the latest protest was led by supporters of Nafiu Bala, who is also asserting his claim to the party’s national chairmanship.
The protesters, led by Bala alongside a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, called on the electoral body to immediately recognise him as the legitimate chairman of the party.
Their demand underscores the growing division within the opposition platform as multiple factions battle for control.
The ADC is currently fractured into at least three camps, each laying claim to its leadership.
These include the faction led by David Mark, the Bala-led group, and another aligned with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu.
A day earlier, the Mark-led faction had also mobilised supporters to the INEC headquarters, similarly demanding recognition.
That protest drew several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former lawmaker Dino Melaye.
Demonstrators at that rally carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Tinubu, let our democracy breathe,” reflecting broader political grievances beyond the party’s internal dispute.
The Mark-led faction has accused INEC of colluding with the ruling All Progressives Congress to weaken opposition parties and undermine democratic processes.
The group also called for the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan.
The roots of the crisis could be traced to the resignation of former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Following his exit, Bala, who served as national vice-chairman, insisted he should automatically assume the leadership position.
However, this claim was rejected by another bloc within the party, which rallied around the leadership of David Mark.
The disagreement quickly escalated, leading Bala to seek judicial intervention.
During proceedings last September, Justice Emeka Nwite directed that all parties involved be formally notified.
Mark subsequently appealed the ruling on December 18, 2025, but the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the appeal in March, leaving the matter unresolved.
Amid the legal tussle, INEC has maintained a cautious stance, stating that it would not recognise any faction until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment.
The commission has also removed Mark’s name from its official records as chairman of the party.
With protests now emerging from rival factions and the courts yet to settle the dispute, the ADC’s internal crisis continues to deepen, raising concerns about the party’s stability ahead of future electoral contests
