Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, other ADC leaders protest in Abuja over INEC decisions

Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a large protest in Abuja on Wednesday, condemning decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which they claim undermine democracy and interfere in the party’s internal affairs.

The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, attracted prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, who converged at Maitama Roundabout alongside hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

During the protest, participants sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

The ADC described the act as “in an act of defiance.”

Demonstrators also carried placards expressing support for David Mark, including messages such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”

Addressing the crowd, Peter Obi spoke on behalf of ADC members and opposition leaders, urging Nigerians to safeguard democratic values.

He said on X: “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.”

The protest comes in response to INEC’s recent decision to stop recognising correspondence from both factions of the ADC led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership crisis.

The ADC and allied opposition groups have described the move as an infringement on party autonomy.

Earlier, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said the protest was aimed at mobilising Nigerians in defence of democracy.

“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.