Jigawa ADC Members Protest INEC Over Leadership Recognition
Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Dutse, demanding official recognition of the party’s national leadership under David Mark.
The demonstration comes amid rising political tension in the state, with internal party disputes and defections intensifying ahead of party primaries and the next general elections. Protesters marched to the INEC office without incident and submitted a formal petition to the commission.
Speaking after the protest, the Jigawa ADC Youth Leader, Manniru Aminu, accused INEC of overstepping its constitutional authority. He argued that the commission lacks the power to interpret court rulings, stating, “INEC does not have the constitutional power to interpret court rulings. That responsibility lies with the judiciary.”
The group further alleged that INEC is not acting neutrally in handling internal party matters, describing the situation as a threat to democratic fairness. They insisted that the leadership structure under David Mark remains the only legitimate and constitutionally recognised leadership of the ADC.
Protesters demanded that INEC immediately restore the Mark-led leadership on its official records and website. They also called for a public apology from the commission and urged accountability for those responsible for the alleged bias.
The protest highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly around party leadership disputes and the role of electoral bodies in mediating such conflicts. With party primaries approaching, the outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the ADC’s participation in future elections.
