A coalition of opposition heavyweights stormed the headquarters of Nigeria’s electoral body in Abuja, as tensions deepened over the suspension of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The protest, held at the Maitama office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), drew prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, signalling a rare show of unity across opposition lines.
They were led by former Senate President David Mark, who is recognised by one faction as the party’s national chairman amid an ongoing leadership dispute.
Other notable figures at the demonstration included Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi and Dino Melaye, all of whom joined calls for the electoral commission to reverse its decision.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Tinubu, let our Democracy breathe” and “I stand with ADC, I stand with Democracy,” accusing INEC of undermining opposition participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the heart of the dispute is INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of the ADC following a Court of Appeal ruling directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a leadership tussle.
The conflict pits the Mark-led leadership against Nafiu Bala, a former national vice chairman who insists he never resigned and should automatically assume control of the party after the exit of former chairman Ralph Nwosu.
INEC maintains that its position is guided strictly by the court order, which bars it from engaging with any faction until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the matter.
“The court also ordered that parties should maintain status quo ante bellum and should not do anything that will foist a fait accompli on the trial court,” said INEC Chairperson Joash Amupitan.
However, the Mark-led faction has rejected this interpretation, accusing the commission of bias and demanding the resignation of INEC’s leadership.
Further complicating the crisis, a third faction aligned with 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu has emerged, backing INEC’s decision and distancing itself from both Mark and Bala camps.
The standoff has raised fresh concerns about internal party democracy and the ability of opposition parties to organise effectively ahead of the next general election cycle.
