Nafiu Bala’s Faction Protest At INEC Headquarters Over ADC Chairmanship Dispute

Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) supporting Nafiu Bala, who is claiming the position of national chairman, protested at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja over the party’s leadership struggle.

Nafiu Bala led the protest alongside Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, demanding that INEC recognise Bala as the legitimate leader of the party.

The ADC is currently divided, with at least three factions claiming leadership, including the David Mark-led group, the Nafiu Bala-led group, and a faction supporting the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu.

Earlier in the week, the Mark-led faction also staged a protest at INEC, seeking recognition of its leadership.

That demonstration included high-profile figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, ex-Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former lawmaker Dino Melaye.

Protesters carried placards with messages like “Tinubu, let our democracy breathe.”

The Mark-led group called for the resignation of INEC chairman Joash Amupitan, whom they accused of siding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken opposition parties and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

The current crisis began when Bala, then national vice-chairman, claimed he should lead the ADC following Ralph Nwosu’s resignation.

Nwosu stepped down after the opposition coalition chose the ADC as its platform for the 2027 general elections. The Mark-led faction took over the party leadership, but Bala challenged this in court.

In September, Justice Emeka Nwite issued a notice for the respondents in Bala’s case. Mark appealed in December 2025, but the Abuja Court of Appeal rejected the appeal in March.

INEC has said it will not recognise either Bala or Mark’s faction until the Federal High Court settles the matter and has removed Mark’s name as party chairman from its portal.

KanyiDaily recalls that the ADC accused the INEC of giving in to pressure from the government, which they claimed is trying to weaken opposition parties in an attempt to impose a one-party system in Nigeria.