Tension at INEC headquarters as security tightens, roads blocked

There was heightened tension on Thursday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, as security presence was significantly reinforced and access roads blocked.

 

The development followed the commission’s decision to de-list the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal.

 

Reports indicate that over 2,000 aggrieved Nigerians gathered around the INEC headquarters in Maitama shortly after the announcement on Wednesday.

 

Some protesters, including members of the ADC, the Obidient Movement, and other groups, had planned to stage a demonstration tagged “Occupy INEC” at the commission’s headquarters.

 

As of Thursday morning, roads leading to the facility were barricaded with security vehicles, while a heavy deployment of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services was observed in the area.

 

Earlier, INEC removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.

 

The commission also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to assume leadership of the party through the courts.

 

INEC further announced the suspension of recognition for all factions within the party and said it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders.

 

According to the electoral body, the measures will remain in place pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.