By Abubakar Yunusa
A faction of the African Democratic Congress on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC),demanding the recognition of Nafiu Bala as the party’s National Chairman.
The group, led by Bala, urged INEC to comply with a Court of Appeal judgment and warned against actions capable of undermining ongoing judicial proceedings.
Speaking during the rally, the Special Adviser on Strategy to the ADC Chairman, Abimiku Monday, said the commission must respect the March 12, 2026 judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
He said, “This judgment directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from actions that could undermine the authority of the court.”
Monday stressed that the ruling was binding on all authorities, citing Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Also addressing protesters, the convener of the group, Abdullahi Ahmed, said the demonstration was aimed at defending the rule of law and democratic institutions.
“We gather at INEC headquarters to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the integrity of our democratic institutions,” he said.
Ahmed warned that the commission’s alleged refusal to comply with the court order could erode public trust and weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
“When a public body chooses to ignore the orders of a superior court, it sends a dangerous message that the rule of law is optional,” he said.
The protesters demanded immediate compliance with the appellate court’s directive and called on Nigerians and civil society groups to defend constitutional order.
“We are not here to incite disorder; we are here to insist on order under the law,” Ahmed added, urging citizens to “obey the court” and “respect the Constitution.”
Responding, INEC’s Assistant Director of Security, Mohammed Hamma, told the protesters that the commission’s leadership was currently out of Abuja.
“Unfortunately, the Chairman is not around. They are all in Lagos attending a workshop,” he said.
Hamma, however, assured the group that their documents would be forwarded to the Chairman and advised representatives to follow up after the Easter break.
“INEC does not have anything to hide. If one or two persons come after the break, they can follow up on the matter,” he added.