April 9, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
The ongoing leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding recognition as the party’s legitimate National Chairman.
Hundreds of supporters, predominantly youths, accompanied Bala to the electoral body, insisting that INEC update its records to reflect him as the party’s leader, pending the outcome of an ongoing court case over the dispute.
The protest follows the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, with Bala asserting that, according to party hierarchy, he is next in line to assume leadership.
Addressing the demonstrators, Bala accused a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark of attempting to seize control of the party in violation of its constitution.
“We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come into the ADC through the backdoor and attempt to take over leadership from those who built the party,” Bala said. “As democrats, we will not allow moneybags to destroy internal democracy. The ADC belongs to all Nigerians, from the ward level to the national level.”
Other supporters, including members of the House of Representatives and party youth leaders, echoed the call for INEC to formally recognise Bala, emphasizing that party rules stipulate a minimum of two years’ membership before aspiring to leadership positions.
Speaking on the protest, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured participants that their concerns would be reviewed, praising the peaceful conduct of the demonstration.
This protest came a day after the Mark-led faction staged a similar demonstration under the #OccupyINEC banner, accusing the electoral body of undermining democracy, highlighting the deepening divisions within the ADC ahead of upcoming elections.
The situation underscores the increasing instability in party leadership and the growing need for formal resolution through judicial and institutional processes.
