Tight Security At INEC Headquarters As ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens

Tight Security At INEC Headquarters As ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens
INEC de-lists ADC leaders, suspends recognition of factions.
Planned protest heightens tension in Abuja.

There was a heavy security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja on Thursday following the commission’s decision to de-list the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress from its official portal.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the development came amid plans by party supporters and allied groups to stage a protest at the commission’s headquarters in Maitama.

Witnesses said the road leading to the INEC headquarters was blocked with security vehicles early Thursday, while a large number of operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services were deployed around the premises.

The security buildup followed reports that members of the ADC, the Obidient Movement, and other groups were mobilising for a protest tagged ‘Occupy INEC.’

Sources indicated that over 2,000 protesters had gathered around the commission’s headquarters on Wednesday shortly after INEC announced its decision on the ADC leadership dispute, triggering reactions from party supporters and political groups.

INEC had removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC.

The commission also said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.

According to INEC, recognition of all factions within the party has been suspended pending the resolution of the legal dispute.

The commission added that it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders until the matter is determined.