Leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress staged a large protest in Abuja on Wednesday, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission of actions they say undermine democracy and interfere in the party’s internal affairs.
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, who gathered at Maitama Roundabout alongside hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
In a symbolic move described by organisers as an act of defiance, protesters sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement in May 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the 1960 anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Demonstrators also carried placards backing David Mark, with messages such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust,” amid ongoing leadership disputes within the party.
Addressing the crowd, Peter Obi, speaking on behalf of ADC members and other opposition leaders, called on Nigerians to defend democratic principles.
“We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed.
“We say NO to a one-party system, and for that, today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land,” he said.
Earlier, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said the protest was aimed at mobilising citizens to resist what he described as undue interference by the electoral body.
“This commission is now becoming the arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time. Our major issue is the manner in which INEC has been going about creating disaffection in the opposition.
“The people are really angry and plan to show this anger by coming out. So, we’ll expect them to come out en masse for a peaceful rally. Then we’ll just demonstrate and protest,” he said.
The ADC and allied opposition groups insist that recent actions by INEC amount to an infringement on party autonomy, warning that such developments could weaken Nigeria’s democratic system ahead of future elections.
