A coalition of chieftains from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by the party’s interim Chairman, David Mark, staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The demonstration was in response to INEC’s recent withdrawal of recognition from the David Mark-led faction as the legitimate leadership of the party.
Prominent figures in the protest included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, as well as former Ministers Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola.
The leadership crisis within the ADC has deepened in recent times, with the emergence of yet another faction backed by state chairmen of the party. This group claims legitimacy over the two existing factions—one led by Nafiu Bala and the other by David Mark.
Amid this increasingly undemocratic atmosphere, the David Mark-led faction had scheduled its national convention for April 14. However, with today being April 8, questions are being raised over whether the faction can meet that deadline or if the leadership dispute will be resolved before the date.
Meanwhile, INEC has set May 10 as the final deadline for all political parties to submit the names of their flag bearers for the 2027 general election.