ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens as Gombe-Led Faction Storms INEC Headquarters to Challenge David Mark’s Authority

Nafiu Gombe and Leke Abejide lead a protest at INEC HQ, accusing David Mark's faction of hijacking the ADC. The leadership struggle intensifies ahead of 2027.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 9:11 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The PUNCH

Protest at the Electoral Commission

The rift within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reached a boiling point on Thursday morning as hundreds of supporters, led by the Nafiu Gombe faction, converged on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters. The protesters, including prominent Kogi State lawmaker Hon. Leke Abejide, demanded that the electoral body affirm Gombe as the authentic National Chairman. This demonstration follows months of legal and administrative friction that has split the party into two distinct camps.

Allegations of Constitutional Violations

Addressing INEC officials, Nafiu Gombe argued that the rival leadership, which recently aligned with former Senate President David Mark, is attempting to bypass the party’s internal democratic processes. Gombe emphasized that "moneybags" should not be allowed to overturn the established ownership and structure of the ADC. He urged the commission to ignore the rival faction, asserting that his leadership represents the legitimate voice of the party members from the ward to the national level.

Two-Year Membership Eligibility Rule

Hon. Leke Abejide expanded on the legal basis for their protest, citing specific provisions in the ADC constitution. He argued that the party’s bylaws require a member to be active for at least two years before aspiring to a leadership position—a criterion he claims the rival faction has ignored. Abejide described the opposition as "usurpers" and "hijackers," calling on INEC to maintain the status quo ante bellum by recognizing Gombe’s leadership to "rescue democracy" within the party.