By Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and now member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria; Rauf Aregbesola, former Minister of Interior; Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, alongside other party chieftains, have joined the ongoing “Save Democracy” protest in Abuja
Video Source: Facebook
The demonstration comes amid rising tensions between the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following recent developments perceived by party members as unfavourable to the ADC.
In the video, the leaders were seen holding a banner bearing the inscription, “Tinubu, Let Our Democracy Breathe!”
Protesters were also heard chanting “Tinubu must go,” reflecting growing frustration among party members, who accuse the ruling government of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Background to the Crisis
On April 1, 2026, Channels Television reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decided to remove the names of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee, led by David Mark, from its official portal. This action was reportedly taken in compliance with a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal, pending the final determination of a substantive case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC also declined a request from the Bala faction to recognise him as the party’s acting national chairman, noting that doing so would contravene the court’s directive.
Furthermore, the commission announced the suspension of all official engagements with the party’s factions, including the monitoring of meetings, congresses, and conventions, until the court reaches a final decision.
According to INEC, the decision followed the receipt of conflicting communications from both the Mark and Gombe factions, alongside the appellate court’s directive that all parties maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved.
However, claims circulating online suggest that INEC had earlier been formally notified of the ADC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025. Reports indicate that the commission deployed officials to observe the meeting, documented its proceedings, and received official reports from its field officers.
Following this, INEC was said to have updated its internal records and uploaded the names of the new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Fresh Twist Deepens Crisis
In a related development, the internal crisis within the ADC has taken another turn, further escalating tensions within the party.
According to Vanguard, during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, April 7, a faction loyal to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, publicly supported INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the David Mark-led leadership.
The faction, comprising 25 state chairmen, expressed full backing for the electoral body’s action, stating that it aligns with the Court of Appeal’s ruling. They also distanced themselves from the factional leader, Nafiu Bala Gombe, arguing that he did not emerge through any recognised or credible process.
Additionally, the group alleged that David Mark and members of his executive were not eligible under the party’s constitution, claiming they had not been members for the required minimum of two years.
The faction further announced a new interim leadership, naming Ogga Temitope Kingsley from Kogi State as National Chairman and Odion Kennedy from Edo State as National Secretary.
Image credit: Northern_trend/Instagram
