There was a heavy security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja on Thursday following heightened tension over the commission’s recent decision concerning the African Democratic Congress.
Security operatives were deployed in large numbers around the commission’s office in Maitama, with access roads leading to the premises barricaded using security vehicles.
The development comes a day after INEC removed the names of key members of the ADC National Working Committee from its official portal.
Findings indicated that the move sparked outrage among party loyalists and supporters, with over 2,000 persons reportedly gathering near the commission’s headquarters shortly after the announcement on Wednesday.
Some of the aggrieved individuals, including members of the ADC and the Obidient Movement, had scheduled a protest at the INEC office on Thursday under the banner ‘Occupy INEC’.
Observers noted that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services were stationed at strategic points within and around the headquarters to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The tension followed INEC’s decision to delist former Senate President, David Mark, and ex-Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the 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 emerge as national chairman through judicial processes.
INEC further announced that it had suspended recognition of all factions within the party and would not monitor any conventions or congresses conducted by the affected groups.
According to the commission, the directive will subsist pending the final resolution of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.