There was a heavy security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja following a controversial decision involving the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The development came after INEC de-listed the National Working Committee of the ADC from its official portal on Wednesday, a move that triggered unrest among party members and supporters. More than two thousand Nigerians reportedly gathered around the commission’s headquarters in Maitama shortly after the announcement, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision.
The tension escalated as members of the ADC, the Obidient Movement, and other groups had earlier scheduled a protest tagged ‘Occupy INEC’ for Thursday at the same location.
By Thursday morning, access roads leading to the INEC headquarters in Maitama were blocked with security vehicles, while a large number of operatives were deployed to the area. Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services were stationed around the premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The crisis stems from INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively. The commission also declined to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.
INEC further announced that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders.
According to the commission, the decision will remain in effect pending the final determination of a substantive suit currently before the Federal High Court, a development that has heightened political tension within the party and among its supporters.
