Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Lead ADC Mass Protest In Abuja Against INEC Amid Leadership Crisis
Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Lead ADC Mass Protest In Abuja Against INEC Amid Leadership Crisis
The protest comes amid controversy surrounding INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the ADC.
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside their supporters, are mobilising to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Abuja in protest over the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
The protesters are gathering around Maitama in the Federal Capital Territory. INEC head office is in Maitama.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is expected to join the protest. Also expected to participate is former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The protest comes amid controversy surrounding INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the ADC.
Peter Obi had earlier called on Nigerians to join what he described as a fight against the “killing of democracy.”Nigeria travel guide
“We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed. We say NO to a one-party system and for that today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land,” he wrote on X.
SaharaReporters reported that INEC removed the names of the National Working Committee of the ADC led by Senator David Mark and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from its official portal, citing a subsisting court dispute over the party’s leadership.
The electoral body also stated that it would suspend recognition of any faction or leadership of the ADC pending the final determination of the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The decision was contained in a press statement issued last Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
However, the move has sparked anger and condemnation, with many accusing President Bola Tinubu of turning Nigeria into a one-party state by allegedly fuelling crises within opposition parties.
Announcing the decision, INEC said, “the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark… would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum.”
The commission explained that the court had directed all parties to maintain the situation as it existed before the suit was filed and to avoid actions that could undermine the ongoing proceedings.
“Parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step… capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court,” INEC quoted from the appellate court ruling.
INEC further disclosed that it received conflicting legal communications from parties involved in the dispute, with one faction warning against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting chairman, while another demanded full enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment.
