Atiku, Amaechi, Tambuwal, other ADC leaders storm INEC HQ over leadership crisis

Dozens of supporters and leaders of the Senator David Mark faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to protest what they described as the commission’s alleged interference in the party’s leadership dispute.

Among those present at the protest were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The leaders said they were protesting to demand neutrality from INEC and to resist what they called actions capable of undermining internal party democracy.

The political heavyweights, alongside other party chieftains and supporters, said their presence at the electoral body’s office was part of a peaceful demonstration aimed at defending democratic principles and ensuring that opposition parties are not weakened through administrative decisions.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku said the protest was part of efforts to defend Nigeria’s democracy and ensure fairness in the electoral process.

“Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” he wrote.

The protest comes amid a deepening crisis within the ADC following disputes over the party’s leadership and INEC’s recognition of party officials pending the outcome of ongoing court cases.

INEC said its actions were based on a Court of Appeal ruling directing all parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, some ADC leaders have accused the commission of misinterpreting the court order and acting in a way that could undermine internal party democracy, an allegation INEC has denied while insisting it remains neutral and guided strictly by the law.