ADC crisis: Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, others protest at INEC headquarters

The chieftains and members of the opposition coalition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja over the party’s derecognition.

The protest, which drew a large crowd of party members and supporters and led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saw demonstrators march to the INEC headquarters, accusing the commission of partisanship.

Atiku, in a statement, described the protest as peaceful and necessary to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

“Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” he wrote on X.

Among those who joined the procession were former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; factional ADC national chairman David Mark; national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement Rabiu Kwankwaso; and factional ADC national secretary Rauf Aregbesola.

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Others present at the protest included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal; former Senator Dino Melaye, and ex-Kano State deputy governor Aminu Gwarzo; among others.

The ADC has been engulfed in an internal crisis since an opposition coalition took control of the party in July 2025, with rival factions led by Nafiu Bala and Mark both laying claim to its leadership.

The dispute later degenerated into protracted legal battles, culminating in a decision by the INEC last Wednesday to withdraw recognition from the two factions.

INEC said its action was based on a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal.