Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State, on Monday held a peaceful demonstration at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Dutse, calling for the recognition of what they described as the party’s authentic national leadership.
The protesters marched to the commission’s state office and submitted a petition, accusing INEC of undermining democratic principles in its handling of the party’s leadership matter.
They maintained that the David Mark-led leadership remains the legally recognised authority of the ADC and alleged that the electoral body was showing institutional bias.
Speaking with journalists during the protest, they argued that INEC lacks the constitutional right to interpret court judgments, insisting that such powers belong solely to the judiciary.
According to them, the commission’s actions pose a threat to democratic governance, political neutrality and public confidence in the electoral process.
Among their demands were the immediate reinstatement of the recognised ADC leadership on INEC’s official portal, a public apology to Nigerians, and accountability from the commission’s leadership.
They also called for the resignation or removal of the INEC national chairman over what they termed unconstitutional actions.
Responding, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Jigawa State, Ibrahim Idris, received the petition and assured the protesters that their grievances would be conveyed to the commission’s national headquarters.