Armed soldiers and heavily equipped police operatives on Thursday took over the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja following threats of a mass protest by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party.
Witnesses reported a heavy security presence around the commission’s premises, including armoured tanks and armed personnel of the Nigerian Army and police, restricting movement in and out of the facility.
The deployment comes a day after INEC announced the suspension of all dealings with the ADC, citing a Court of Appeal ruling and an ongoing leadership dispute between factions loyal to former Senate President David Mark and party chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In a statement issued on 1 April, INEC said it would maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“The Commission shall not… receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups… and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention… until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court,” the electoral body said.
INEC also confirmed the removal of the names of Mr Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party from its portal, in compliance with what it described as “preservatory orders” of the Court of Appeal.
The commission said it had received conflicting legal communications from rival factions within the ADC, prompting it to suspend recognition of any group to avoid undermining judicial proceedings.
ADC alleges political interference
Reacting to the development, the ADC accused INEC of bias and acting under pressure from the federal government.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the commission’s decision as “contradictory” and inconsistent with the facts.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling… INEC has caved to pressure and chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” the party said.
The party added that it was reviewing its options and would soon announce its next steps, urging members to remain calm.
The decision by INEC has triggered outrage among sections of the party, with some aggrieved members reportedly planning protests at the commission’s headquarters—an action believed to have prompted Thursday’s heavy security deployment.
Political realignments deepen uncertainty
The crisis within the ADC comes amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed at the centre of emerging alignments.
The governor, who recently indicated plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to internal disagreements, has held separate meetings with delegations from both the ADC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
After hosting an ADC team led by former SGF Babachir Lawal, Mr Mohammed also received APC officials, including National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
While he has yet to formally declare his next political move, the governor said he was considering multiple options, noting that his associates were more inclined towards the ADC.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Bauchi has urged him to prioritise public interest in making his decision, acknowledging his significant political influence.
Utomi warns of democratic backsliding
Amid the unfolding political tensions, political economist Pat Utomi has warned that Nigeria is experiencing governance conditions worse than during the military era of former ruler Sani Abacha.
Speaking on ARISE News, Mr Utomi cited what he described as executive overreach, institutional decline, and growing intolerance for dissent.
“We are in conditions… worse than we were under Abacha,” he said, warning that democratic structures are under severe strain.
He criticised the political elite for what he described as indifference to citizens’ suffering and warned that continued suppression of dissent could have serious consequences.
Rising stakes ahead of 2027
The convergence of a party leadership crisis, electoral body intervention, security deployment, and political realignments underscores mounting pressure within Nigeria’s political space.
At the centre of the unfolding developments are critical questions about institutional independence, adherence to the rule of law, and the shrinking space for political opposition.
INEC insists its actions are guided strictly by court orders and the need to preserve neutrality. However, the ADC and other stakeholders argue that the commission’s decisions risk undermining confidence in the electoral process.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, analysts warn that failure to transparently resolve such disputes could deepen mistrust in democratic institutions.
For now, the sight of armed troops guarding the electoral body’s headquarters reflects not just a party dispute, but a broader tension within Nigeria’s democracy—one that raises urgent questions about accountability, governance, and the integrity of the electoral system.
