ADC Protesters for Abuja: ‘Leave Our Party Alone’ – Bala Warn Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, David Mark

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) storm Abuja streets on Thursday, wey dem dey warn prominent opposition figures to comot their hand for the party matter. The protest wey dem carry placards with strong messages like “Woe to Political Marauders” and “Hon. Nafiu Bala, We Stand With You” na serious warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Senate President David Mark.

Na the factional National Chairman of ADC, Nafiu Bala, lead the protest. Bala accuse the visiting political leaders say dem dey try to hijack the party. E talk say dem no want any external interference for ADC internal affairs. The man no mince words at all as e address the crowd under the Abuja sun.

Bala no dey alone for the matter. ADC House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, join am with supporters wey dey march from one point to another for the Federal Capital Territory. The atmosphere tense small as dem move with determination.

This protest na counter-demonstration to the earlier rally wey David Mark faction carry out at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The two factions dey show say the battle for control of ADC don reach new level. Political observers dey watch with keen interest as the drama unfold.

For another development wey dey shake political ground, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division don set aside the judgement of Federal High Court wey affirm Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe as National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The unanimous judgment of three-member panel of Justices delivered on March 27, 2026, don change the game completely.

The appeal wey Fayemi Tosin Babatunde file challenge the validity of Ekiti State governorship primary election. The appellant argue say the leadership wey organize the process no authentic and dem no get legal authority to appoint Electoral Committee. E grievances center on the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr. Sadiq Gombe and Dr. Olu Agunleye.

The legal battle first see victory for the party leadership at Federal High Court in Abuja on January 19, 2026. Justice Emeka Nwite dismiss the appellant case that time, rule say Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe na the authentic National Chairman and him appointment comply with SDP internal rules and regulations.

But the challenger no gree. E move to Court of Appeal where three-member panel of justices – comprising Abba Bello Mohammed, Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, and Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi – set aside all the orders wey the trial court make about the leadership tussle within SDP. The Appeal Court hold say court without jurisdiction no get power to make further pronouncement.

Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike deliver the unanimous judgment wey hold say “The appeal succeeds in part.” The court affirm the Federal High Court decision only to the extent that the appellant no be aspirant to the primary election. But the decision on Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe being authentic leader of SDP don set aside because dem make am without jurisdiction.

The court also set aside the decision that SDP primary election of November 8, 2025 valid and in compliance with Electoral Act, 2022. Then dem make order declare say SDP no get valid candidate for gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. Reason na because all parties wey the order go affect no dey before the court.

Interesting part be say the court hold that INEC indeed monitor primary election at approved venue. Evidence from INEC monitoring report (Exhibit INEC 3) confirm say the primary conduct with legitimate delegates and clear winner, Engr. Bankole David Oludele. But since the winner no be party in the appeal, the court no make any order as to cost.

As political temperature dey rise for Abuja, both ADC and SDP dey face internal crises wey fit affect their chances for future elections. The protests and court cases show how Nigerian politics dey full of intrigues and power struggles. Ordinary citizens dey watch as dem dey yarn say na only God know wetin go happen next.