Protesters on Thursday flooded parts of Abuja, staging a demonstration against the involvement of prominent opposition figures in the affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The protesters specifically called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Senate President David Mark to stay away from the party, accusing them of attempting to hijack its structure for political advantage.
The protest, which drew a sizeable number of supporters, was led by the factional National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala. Addressing journalists during the march, Bala alleged that certain political heavyweights were making moves to take over the party’s leadership and redirect its agenda ahead of future elections. According to him, such actions undermine the democratic principles upon which the party was founded and threaten internal stability.
Bala, who has been at the center of a leadership tussle within the party, was joined by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, who also expressed concerns over what he described as external interference in the ADC’s internal affairs. The two leaders, flanked by loyalists and supporters, marched through major streets, chanting slogans and displaying placards that conveyed strong opposition to the alleged takeover attempt.
Some of the placards carried messages such as “Woe to Political Marauders” and “Hon. Nafiu Bala, We Stand With You,” reflecting the protesters’ support for Bala’s leadership and their rejection of any perceived imposition by influential politicians. The demonstration created a tense atmosphere in parts of the capital, with security personnel deployed to maintain order and prevent any escalation.
Observers say the protest is the latest development in an ongoing crisis within the ADC, which has seen factions emerge over disagreements regarding leadership and the party’s direction. The division appears to have deepened in recent weeks, especially amid speculations that high-profile politicians may be exploring alliances or platforms ahead of future electoral contests.
Thursday’s protest is widely believed to be a direct response to an earlier rally organized by a faction loyal to David Mark. That group had reportedly gathered at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where they presented their position regarding the party’s leadership dispute. The move by the Mark-led faction is said to have heightened tensions, prompting Bala’s supporters to mobilize in what they described as a counter-protest.
Speaking during the demonstration, Bala maintained that the ADC remains an independent political platform that should not be subjected to the ambitions of politicians seeking convenience or opportunistic alliances. He warned that any attempt to impose leadership or manipulate party structures would be resisted by loyal members.
“We are here to defend the integrity of our party,” Bala said. “The ADC is not a dumping ground for politicians who cannot find stability elsewhere. We will not allow anyone, no matter how influential, to hijack what we have built.”
Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for internal democracy and respect for established party processes. He urged party members across the country to remain vigilant and committed to preserving the ADC’s identity.
Political analysts note that the involvement—or perceived involvement—of figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the ADC’s affairs has sparked debate within Nigeria’s political landscape. While some view potential alliances as a strategic move to strengthen opposition forces, others argue that it risks destabilizing smaller parties and eroding their foundational structures.
As of the time of filing this report, none of the named opposition leaders had publicly responded to the allegations raised by Bala and his supporters. However, sources close to some of the politicians suggest that consultations and realignments remain ongoing, particularly as political actors position themselves ahead of future electoral cycles.
Meanwhile, the leadership crisis within the ADC continues to raise questions about the party’s cohesion and readiness to play a significant role in national politics. The involvement of multiple factions, each claiming legitimacy, has complicated the situation and may require intervention from regulatory authorities or internal reconciliation mechanisms.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, which oversees political party registration and compliance in Nigeria, may ultimately be called upon to determine the recognized leadership of the party if the dispute persists. Such a decision could have far-reaching implications for the ADC’s participation in upcoming elections and its ability to present a unified front.
For now, Thursday’s protest underscores the growing tensions within the party and highlights the broader challenges facing opposition politics in Nigeria. As rival factions continue to assert their positions, the future of the ADC remains uncertain, with stakeholders watching closely to see how the crisis unfolds and whether a resolution can be achieved without further fragmentation.
