The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified as rival factions staged back-to-back protests at the headquarters of Nigeria’s electoral umpire in Abuja.

On Thursday, a faction led by Nafiu Gombe and supported by Kogi State lawmaker Leke Abejide marched on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding formal recognition. The move comes less than 24 hours after a rival group, led by former Senate President David Mark, held its own massive “#OccupyINEC” demonstration in the capital.

The dual protests underscore a deepening rift that threatens to fracture the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle, with both sides accusing the other of attempting to “hijack” the democratic process.

‘Windows and Moneybags’

Addressing INEC officials amidst a sea of supporters, Mr. Gombe warned against the influence of “usurpers” who he claims are attempting to bypass the party’s constitution.

“You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners,” Gombe said, in a pointed reference to the David Mark-led faction. “We don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy.”

Hon. Leke Abejide echoed these concerns, citing the party’s internal statutes which require a member to be active for at least two years before aspiring to leadership. He urged INEC to “rescue democracy” by reverting to the status quo ante bellum and affirming Gombe as the authentic national chairman.

The ‘Occupy’ Defiance

The atmosphere in Abuja has been charged following Wednesday’s rival protest at the Maitama Roundabout. That demonstration, which featured high-profile political figures and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, saw a striking act of symbolic defiance.

Protesters were heard singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”—a song officially replaced in May 2024 by the independence-era anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” under a directive from President Bola Tinubu. The use of the discarded anthem served as a double-edged protest against both the party leadership and the federal administration’s policies.

Analysis: A Test for INEC

For the electoral commission, the ADC dispute represents a significant legal and administrative headache. While the Gombe faction has commended INEC for obeying a recent court order, they are now pushing for a total affirmation of their leadership.

The presence of David Mark, a veteran of the Nigerian political establishment, on the opposing side suggests that this is not merely a local dispute but a battle for the soul of a platform that could prove pivotal in future coalitions.

Responding to the protesters on Thursday, INEC National Commissioner Professor Abdullahi Zuru maintained a neutral stance, promising that the commission would “review the letter and give feedback.”

Future at Stake

The ADC has long positioned itself as a “third-way” alternative to the dominant APC and PDP. However, this level of internal instability—marked by competing chairmen and public demonstrations—risks alienating a voter base already disillusioned by partisan infighting.

As both factions claim the mantle of “authentic” leadership, the final arbiter will likely be the Nigerian court system, rather than the streets of Abuja.