By Kingston Magare 2.4.2026
There was tension in Abuja Thursday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a team of security agents mounted guard in anticipation of a protest by the opposition party Africa Democratic Congress.
This is a fallout of INEC’s declaration it would not recognise the ADC national chairman David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe who is claiming to the be the authentic chairman of the party.
Heavily armed security agents mounted surveillance on the streets leading to the INEC headquarters. Armoured tanks, policemen with riffles and batons stood at alert in a show of force.
INEC in a statement on Wednesday said it is not obliged to recognise David Mark and Bala Gombe, based on a “preservatory order” issued by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties in the struggle for leadership of the ADC to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case 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 convened on behalf of the ADC by any group,” INEC stated.
Meanwhile the ADC national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi said it was quite a shame the APC lead government failed to get its security priorities right.
, “This government did not deploy armoured tanks to protect the people of Plateau State earlier this week. They did not deploy them to confront the bandits that they call ‘prodigal sons’ and ‘brothers’.
“But they deployed tanks at INEC headquarters in Abuja this morning, to protect themselves from peaceful everyday Nigerians. Show me your priorities, and I will show you who you are,” Abdullahi wrote on his X social media platform.
Police making their presence felt at the INEC headquarters.