Armed soldiers and heavily equipped police operatives took over the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Thursday, following threats of a mass protest by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Viral images on social media show a significant deployment of Nigerian Army personnel, armored tanks, and police officers armed with assault rifles stationed around the commission’s premises.
The heightened security presence comes amid rising tensions within the ADC, which has been split into rival factions due to a deepening leadership crisis. The show of force is linked to reports that aggrieved party members were planning to stage a protest at INEC’s office over recent decisions affecting the party’s leadership structure.
On Wednesday, INEC removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively, from its official portal, citing an ongoing court dispute. The commission stated that it acted in compliance with “preservatory orders” issued by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to INEC, the order arose from a legal battle involving Mark and another party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership. “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 said.
INEC also disclosed that it had received conflicting communications from rival factions—one group warning against recognizing Gombe as acting chairman, and another demanding full implementation of the appellate court ruling. Amid the confusion, the commission declared that it would suspend recognition of any faction of the ADC and refrain from engaging with any group until a final court judgment is delivered.
“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups… and will not monitor any meeting, congress, or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group,” INEC stated.
The decision has sparked outrage among ADC members, some of whom have accused the electoral body of bias and political interference. As of Thursday morning, security operatives had cordoned off parts of the INEC headquarters, restricting movement in and out of the facility while maintaining a visible show of force to deter potential unrest.