There was a heavy security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Thursday, following the commission’s decision to remove the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal.
The development comes amid rising tension after the electoral body announced the de-listing on Wednesday.
DAILY POST gathered that more than 2,000 Nigerians had earlier converged around the INEC headquarters shortly after the decision was made public.
The gathering was largely made up of members of the ADC, the Obidient Movement, and other groups, who had also scheduled a protest tagged “Occupy INEC” for Thursday at the commission’s Maitama office.
However, a visit to the area showed that access to the INEC headquarters was heavily restricted, with security vehicles mounted at strategic points around the परिसर.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies, were seen maintaining a strong presence to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The tension follows INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and national secretary of the ADC, respectively, from its portal.
The commission also stated that it would not recognize Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is laying claim to the party’s chairmanship through the courts.
INEC further announced the suspension of recognition for all factions within the ADC and said it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organized by groups linked to the affected leaders.
According to the commission, the measures will remain in place pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
