Armed security personnel on Thursday took over the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja following reports of a planned protest by members of the African Democratic Congress, deepening concerns over the escalating leadership crisis within the opposition party.
A heavy presence of soldiers and police operatives was observed around the commission’s premises, with viral images showing armoured vehicles, military patrols, and officers bearing assault rifles stationed at strategic points. The development signaled a preemptive move by security agencies to forestall any breakdown of law and order amid rising tensions among party supporters.
The deployment comes on the heels of internal turmoil within the ADC, which has been fractured into rival factions locked in a prolonged dispute over the party’s leadership structure. The crisis reached a new flashpoint after aggrieved members reportedly mobilised to stage a protest at the commission’s headquarters, accusing the electoral body of taking sides in the dispute.
At the centre of the controversy is the decision by INEC to delist key figures from the party’s leadership on its official portal. On Wednesday, the commission removed the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively, citing ongoing litigation.
INEC explained that its action was in compliance with preservatory orders issued by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to the commission, the directive necessitated the temporary removal of the listed leadership to avoid prejudicing the outcome of the case.
The dispute, INEC disclosed, stems from a legal tussle involving multiple claimants to the party’s leadership, including a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. The commission revealed that it had received conflicting correspondences from opposing groups within the party—one cautioning against recognising Gombe as acting chairman, and another demanding full enforcement of the appellate court’s ruling.
Faced with the conflicting positions, INEC announced that it would suspend recognition of any faction of the party pending a final judicial pronouncement. The commission further stated that it would refrain from engaging with any group claiming to represent the ADC and would not monitor any party activities, including meetings, congresses, or conventions, organised by any faction until the matter is conclusively resolved.
The development has triggered strong reactions within the party, with several members expressing anger over what they described as an unjust and politically motivated decision. Some party stakeholders have accused the electoral body of yielding to external pressure, while others warned that the move could undermine internal democracy and destabilise the opposition further.
As tensions mounted, security agencies moved swiftly to secure the INEC headquarters, restricting movement around the facility and maintaining a visible show of force. Observers noted that the deployment underscores the sensitivity of the situation, particularly in a politically charged environment where party disputes can quickly spill into public unrest.
The unfolding crisis highlights the fragile nature of party cohesion within Nigeria’s opposition space and raises broader questions about the role of electoral institutions in managing intra-party conflicts. With the matter now firmly in the hands of the courts, attention is expected to shift to the Federal High Court, whose eventual ruling will determine the legitimate leadership of the party and potentially reshape its political trajectory.
For now, the presence of armed security personnel at the nation’s electoral headquarters reflects the growing anxiety surrounding the dispute, as authorities seek to prevent escalation while stakeholders await judicial clarity.
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