Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, joined other members, supporters and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a protest against the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The protest comes amid a prolonged leadership dispute that has fractured the party and heightened tensions within its ranks.
Recently, INEC took a decision to withdraw recognition of the ADC leadership headed by David Mark, sparking a fresh crisis in the party.
Taking to his 𝕏 account on Wednesday, Atiku confirmed that he has joined other protesters in a peaceful protest against the partisanship of INEC.
He added that their aim is to safeguard democracy and prevent dictatorship in Nigeria.
He wrote: “Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship.”
Other ADC leaders sighted in the protest include former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi.
Meanwhile, sources reports that the ADC leadership crisis worsened on Tuesday after the emergence of a third faction, deepening divisions within the party’s structure.
A faction of the ADC led by its 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, announced plans to hold a national convention and install an interim leadership to run the party’s affairs.
The decision was made known on Tuesday in Abuja by the group’s spokesperson, Norman Obinna, after what he described as an emergency National Executive Committee meeting attended by state chairmen and other members.
He said the meeting was called to address the ongoing leadership crisis in the party.
