In swift reaction to the David Mark’s faction of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) protest recently, tensions escalated on Thursday, 9th April, 2026, as a rival faction of the party staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding strict adherence to a recent court ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.
The protest, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, drew attention to the deepening internal crisis rocking the opposition party. The demonstrators urged a prominent political bloc reportedly aligned with David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to steer clear of the party’s internal affairs.
According to reports, monitored by RovroundNews reporter, the protesters accused the opposing faction of attempting to hijack the party’s structure, warning that such actions could undermine democratic principles and destabilize the ADC ahead of future political engagements.
Nafiu Bala Gombe was joined at the protest by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, lending legislative weight to the demonstration. Both leaders emphasized the need for INEC to remain neutral and uphold the rule of law in its dealings with political parties.
Central to the protesters’ demands was the enforcement of what they described as the “Status Quo Ante Bellum”, a legal principle calling for a return to the state of affairs before the dispute arose. They insisted that INEC must recognize the leadership structure as affirmed by the court ruling and resist any external pressure to alter its position.
Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards, the demonstrators also called for transparency and consistency in the electoral body’s actions. They warned that failure to comply with judicial pronouncements could erode public trust in the electoral system.
The development underscores the growing fragmentation within the ADC, a party that has recently attracted interest from high-profile political figures amid shifting alliances in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Observers say the outcome of the leadership tussle could significantly shape the party’s role in future elections.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the protest, leaving questions about its next steps in managing the dispute.
The unfolding situation signals a critical test for both the ADC’s internal cohesion and INEC’s capacity to navigate complex political conflicts while maintaining its institutional integrity.
