Abuja In a powerful demonstration of resolve, Nafiu Bala Gombe, the factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), today led a large contingent of party supporters, youth leaders, and key stakeholders to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The march underscores the faction’s unwavering demand for INEC to officially recognize Bala as the legitimate National Chairman of the ADC, in line with a subsisting Court of Appeal ruling.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans affirming party democracy, the protesters urged INEC to “put my name on the portal” as the authentic ADC National Chairman. Addressing the crowd and INEC officials, Bala emphasized that his leadership represents the will of the party’s founding members and duly elected executives, free from external interference.
“INEC must respect the rule of law and the judgment of the Court of Appeal. We are here today to demand that the Commission uploads my details and recognizes the authentic leadership of the African Democratic Congress. No amount of political interference from outsiders will derail the democratic process within our party,” Bala declared.
The protest comes just 24 hours after a rival faction, led by former Senate President David Mark, staged a similar demonstration at the same venue. Bala’s group has consistently maintained that prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso should refrain from hijacking the ADC, describing such moves as an attempt to undermine the party’s independence.
Hon. Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives and strong supporter of the Bala-led faction, joined the protest, reinforcing the call for INEC to uphold judicial decisions and protect the party’s internal democracy. Notable presence included former Senator Dino Melaye, who stood in solidarity with the demonstrators.
The leadership crisis within the ADC has been simmering since mid-2025, with court cases determining the legitimate leadership structure. The Bala faction insists that Nafiu Bala remains the only executive who did not resign and continues to hold the mandate of the party’s authentic structures.
The ADC under Bala’s leadership reaffirms its commitment to providing a credible, people-centered alternative for Nigerians ahead of future elections, rooted in transparency, justice, and respect for the rule of law.