Heavy security presence at INEC headquarters in Abuja as ADC leadership crisis deepens following de-listing of party officials from portal
There is a heavy security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Abuja following rising tensions over the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress African Democratic Congress.
Also read: IPAC urges Bala Mohammed on cautious defection decision
The development comes after INEC de-listed members of the party’s National Working Committee from its official portal on Wednesday.
DAILY POST reports that over 2,000 angry Nigerians gathered around the INEC headquarters in Maitama shortly after the decision was announced.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services Department of State Services, were deployed in large numbers to secure the area.
On Thursday morning, roads leading to the commission’s headquarters were blocked with security vehicles as operatives mounted strict surveillance.
Some supporters of the ADC, the Obidient Movement, and other groups had planned a protest tagged “Occupy INEC” in response to the development.
The protest followed INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC respectively.
The commission also declined recognition of Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.
INEC further announced that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party pending the outcome of a substantive case before the Federal High Court.
It also stated that it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organised by factions linked to the disputed leadership.
Also read: IPAC urges Bala Mohammed on cautious defection decision
The situation remains tense as security operatives maintain a strong presence around the INEC headquarters amid fears of further protests.
