There is a strong security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja following recent developments involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The situation comes after INEC removed the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC from its official portal on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that shortly after the announcement, over 2,000 aggrieved Nigerians—mainly ADC members, supporters of the Obidient Movement, and other groups—gathered around the commission’s headquarters in Maitama. The groups had also scheduled a follow-up protest on Thursday under the banner “Occupy INEC.”
By Thursday morning, roads leading to the INEC headquarters were barricaded with security vehicles. A heavy deployment of security personnel, including officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), was also observed in the area.
Earlier, INEC had removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as the ADC’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. The commission also declined to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking the chairmanship position through legal action.
INEC further announced the suspension of recognition for all factions within the party and stated that it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organised by the affected groups. The commission noted that this decision will remain in effect until a substantive case before the Federal High Court is resolved.