Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a protest in Abuja, condemning recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which they said threaten democratic principles and the party’s internal leadership structure.
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, took place at Maitama Roundabout and drew several prominent opposition figures, including former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Others in attendance were former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye. Hundreds of Kwankwasiyya supporters were also present.
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During the demonstration, protesters sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, in what the ADC described as an act of defiance. The anthem was replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the country’s 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Many demonstrators carried placards expressing support for the faction of the party led by Senator David Mark, with inscriptions such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”
Obi Urges Nigerians to Refuse a One-Party System
Addressing the crowd, Peter Obi, who spoke on behalf of ADC leaders and other opposition figures, called on Nigerians to resist any actions capable of undermining democracy.
“We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, are saying that our democracy must not be destroyed,” he said. “We reject any move towards a one-party system and call on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace and security to join us in defending democracy.”
The protest follows INEC’s decision to stop recognising correspondence from both factions of the ADC led by Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala, pending the resolution of the party’s leadership dispute after a Court of Appeal judgment.
The ADC and other opposition groups have criticised the move, describing it as interference in the party’s internal affairs and a restriction on its autonomy.
Earlier, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the protest was aimed at mobilising Nigerians to defend democratic values.
He accused INEC of overstepping its role.
“This commission is acting as arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time. Our concern is the way INEC is creating disaffection within the opposition,” Tanko said.
He added that Nigerians were prepared to express their grievances peacefully through the demonstration.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed to newsmen that their letter of protest containing their demands has been received and acknowledged by INEC while they await responses from the electoral body.
He stressed that the ADC has no faction and alleged that the crisis bedevilling the party and other political party is a deliberate attempt to destabilise it and ensure that, ahead of the 2027 elections, only the APC appears as a viable party.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
