Opposition leaders under the ADC, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, lead a protest to INEC headquarters in Abuja, calling for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy.
Top figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday led a “Save Nigeria Democracy” protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, accusing the electoral body of partisanship.
Among those who participated in the march were Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Aminu Tambuwal, alongside hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The protest began at Maitama Roundabout and proceeded through major streets of the Federal Capital Territory before terminating at INEC headquarters.
Demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as “Hands off our courts” and “Judges must give justice,” as they accused the electoral umpire of working in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine democratic processes.
Addressing supporters during the march, Amaechi was seen speaking from a moving vehicle, while several opposition leaders reiterated their concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a post shared on X, Atiku said, “Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship.”
Similarly, Obi had earlier called on Nigerians to join the protest, urging citizens to defend democratic values.
“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,” he stated.
Tambuwal also described the protest as a civic duty, stressing the need to protect democratic institutions.
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“We must resist any attempt to undermine democratic institutions or pave the way for authoritarian tendencies. Our stance is not just political; it is a duty to protect the integrity of our nation and preserve the will of the people,” he said.
The protest comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. INEC recently de-recognised factions within the party following a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.
The commission stated it would not recognise leadership groups associated with both Nafiu Bala and David Mark, citing internal disputes.
The crisis deepened after ADC state chairmen rejected both factions, accusing them of attempting to hijack the party, while backing INEC’s decision.
In response, the Mark-led group accused INEC of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and acting in favour of the ruling party.
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