JUST IN: ADC crisis deepens as Nafiu Bala-led faction protests at INEC headquarters

“We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC.

As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians from wards, states, to the national level.”

Also speaking, Abejide urged the commission to resist what he described as an attempted takeover, noting that the party’s constitution clearly outlines eligibility criteria for leadership positions.

“We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day? Which political platform is that done?

The party constitution is clear about this. You have to spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before you can aspire for any position. It is clear that the commission has not erred. These people are hijackers, and INEC must follow through on reverting to status quo ante bellum by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party.”

In the same vein, the party’s Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order but called for further action to affirm Gombe’s leadership.

“INEC has not erred in any way. In fact, we commend the commission for obeying the court order. But they need to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC.

INEC needs to do the right thing and do it now. That is why we are here.”

Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.

“I am here on behalf of the chairman, and I believe INEC, as a commission, will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest,” he said.