People Are Angry And They Will Come Out – Obidient Movement Confirms Nationwide Protest Against INEC

The Obidient Movement has announced that its planned nationwide protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission will continue despite rising tensions.

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Naija News reports that National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko said the group is moving forward with efforts to mobilize supporters across Nigeria, adding that there is no backing down.

Tanko said the leadership of the movement has kept the exact date of the demonstration secret, citing concerns about possible interference and intimidation of participants.

Their main grievance is how INEC has been handling political matters, which they claim has caused unrest and frustration among opposition supporters.

Supporters of the movement are expected to gather in large numbers for a peaceful demonstration to demand fair treatment and accountability from those in power.

They said their goal is not to incite conflict but to call for proper conduct and protection of citizens’ rights.

The planned protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s democracy and the impartiality of key institutions.

The group is demanding reforms within INEC, including the resignation of its chairman, citing misuse of authority and loss of public trust.

They also called for the protection of opposition parties and their leaders from interference or harassment.

He said: “We cannot reveal the date now. We also know they are planning for us. Of course, INEC is our target. 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. The situation in our country is so unpredictable to the point that even those in government are no longer disturbed by rallies and protests. It doesn’t shake them. But we know something else will shake them. All Nigerians are asking for is not a war, but for those in authority to do the right thing. Everybody should be involved in this matter. If we continue in this line, one day we will not even be able to go to the toilet in this country. So they have no choice but to come out and defend the interests of this country. We need to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria, not individuals.

“That’s what we are doing. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which should stand as an impartial guardian of the people’s will, is increasingly perceived as compromised under the present administration. When institutions lose credibility, the will of the people is endangered. And when that happens, citizens have a duty to act. Gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold the neutrality required of that office.

“An immediate end to political persecution, including all forms of intimidation, harassment, and targeting of opposition voices. Full respect for party autonomy, ensuring that the internal leadership and integrity of political parties, including ADC, are not interfered with.”

Tensions escalated recently when INEC announced it would no longer recognize correspondence from either faction of the African Democratic Congress, following a court ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.

This decision prompted the Mark-led faction of the party to reach out to foreign envoys and international bodies, claiming the crisis was influenced by the ruling All Progressives Congress.