By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) loyal to Nafiu Bala staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding that the commission recognize Bala as the party’s legitimate National Chairman.
Led by Bala himself, the protesters urged INEC to abide by a subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal and to refrain from any actions that might prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings.
Speaking at the demonstration, Abimiku Monday, Special Adviser on Strategy to Bala, called on INEC to comply with the March 12, 2026, judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. He explained that the ruling directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum and avoid any steps that could interfere with pending cases before the Federal High Court.
Monday cited Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which makes compliance with appellate court decisions mandatory. He noted that the faction had formally notified INEC of the judgment via letters dated March 15 and March 27, 2026, and had given the commission seven days to comply or face contempt proceedings.
“The persistent refusal of INEC to comply with a valid court order is a matter of grave concern,” Monday said. “This disregard for judicial authority undermines the rule of law and threatens the very foundation of our democracy. No institution in Nigeria is above the law.”
Abdullahi Ahmed, convener of the protest, described the demonstration as a stand to reinforce the rule of law and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system. He warned that ignoring a superior court ruling could erode public confidence in both INEC and the country’s democratic institutions.
“When a public institution ignores a superior court ruling, it sends a dangerous message that the rule of law is optional,” Ahmed stated.
The protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Obey the Court,” “Respect the Constitution,” and “No to Impunity.” Their demands included immediate compliance with the appellate court’s directive, restoration of the status quo, and a halt to any actions that could undermine ongoing legal proceedings.
In response, Mohammed Hamma, INEC’s Assistant Director of Security, told the protesters that the commission’s leadership was currently away at an official workshop in Lagos. “Unfortunately, the Chairman is not around. They are all in Lagos attending a workshop,” he said. He added that the commission had nothing to hide and advised representatives to follow up after the public holiday.
This online newspaper had earlier today reported how the David Mark faction raised an alarm, alleging that the said protest is the handiwork of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) aimed at sabotaging the emergence of a real opposition party that it will wrestle power with with in the forthcoming general ele
