For the second time in two days, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja over a leadership dispute. This latest demonstration was led by supporters of Nafiu Bala, who, alongside House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, called on INEC to formally recognise Bala as the party’s national chairman.
The ADC currently has at least three factions claiming leadership: the David Mark-led group, the Rafiu Bala-led group, and the camp loyal to 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Mark-led faction protested at INEC, demanding recognition and accusing the electoral body of collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise opposition parties. High-profile figures at that protest included ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and Aminu Tambuwal, along with ex-lawmaker Dino Melaye.
The ADC crisis began after Bala, previously national vice-chairman, claimed he should lead the party following Ralph Nwosu’s resignation. The Mark-led executives assumed leadership, prompting Bala to challenge the move in court. In September, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered respondents to be notified; Mark appealed in December 2025, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal in March 2026.
INEC has stated it will not recognise either Bala or the Mark-led faction until the Federal High Court resolves the matter and has removed Mark’s name as chairman from its portal.
