Heavy security deployment has surrounded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, following the commission's decision to de-list the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee. On Wednesday, INEC removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal, listing them no longer as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC. The commission also stated it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe's bid to be declared national chairman through litigation. INEC announced it will suspend recognition of all ADC factions and will not monitor any internal party gatherings until a substantive suit before the Federal High Court is resolved.
Over 2,000 people, largely ADC members and supporters of the Obidient Movement, gathered near the headquarters after the announcement. A planned protest tagged 'Occupy INEC' was expected Thursday, prompting roadblocks and visible presence of Nigerian Police Force and Department of State Services personnel. The commission's portal now reflects no official leadership for the ADC, as the dispute over the party's internal leadership remains before the judiciary.
INEC's move to erase David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from the ADC's official records isn't about cleaning up party politics—it's a retreat into legal caution. By refusing to engage with any faction until the courts rule, INEC signals it will not risk making unilateral calls in a politically charged dispute. This hands the entire mess to the judiciary while leaving the ADC in suspended animation. For Nigerian voters, it means another political party's future is on hold, not because of internal reform, but because institutions prefer silence to resolution.
