Armed soldiers and heavily equipped police took over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday following threats of mass protest by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Nigerian Army, supported by armored tanks, and police officers with assault rifles, secured the premises amid rising tensions within the ADC, split by a deepening leadership dispute.

Security sources said the deployment followed intelligence that aggrieved members planned to storm INEC in protest over the removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from the party’s official leadership listings, a move INEC said complied with Court of Appeal orders.

The dispute involves factions loyal to David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, both claiming party control. INEC announced it would suspend recognition of all factions and halt monitoring of meetings or congresses until a final court ruling.

Security operatives cordoned off INEC, restricting movement and maintaining a strong presence to prevent unrest. 

READ ANOTHER STORY-https://classic97.net/badagry-women-call-for-governorship-equity/