The Nafiu Gombe-led faction of the African Democratic Congress on Thursday protested at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.

Mr Gombe, who led several stakeholders and supporters, accused the David Mark-led leadership of attempts to hijack the party against constitutional and internal process.

Speaking during the protest, the politician insisted the court order must be respected, urging INEC officials to follow due process.

He stated, “As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians from wards, states to national levels.”

Mr Gombe added the protest was meant to urge the electoral commission to follow due process, alleging attempts by the Mark-led leadership to overturn the owners of the ADC.

Several other stakeholders, who spoke during the protest, also noted that the right thing must be done, insisting that Mr Gombe remains the authentic chairman of the party.

Responding, the INEC national commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured the protesters that their concerns would be effectively reviewed.

“I am here on behalf of the chairman and I believe INEC as a commission will look at your letter and give you feedback,” Mr Zuru said.

The development came barely 24 hours after the Mark-led faction staged #OccupyINEC protest at the commission’s office in Abuja following the derecognition of its leaders.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,  former governors of Anambra, Kano, Osun and Rivers states, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi respectively, including Mr Mark and other party’s stakeholders participated in the protest.

Meanwhile, the ADC chieftain, Ralph Nwosu, during an interview on Channels TV on Thursday, said the party would proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the ongoing leadership crisis and INEC’s decision on the matter.

“We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes. After that malicious INEC release, our chairman and the rest of us sat together and decided to move ahead,” Mr Nwosu stated.