Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) joined a massive demonstration in Abuja on Wednesday, protesting recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which they say undermine democracy and the party’s internal leadership.
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew prominent opposition figures, including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, converging at Maitama Roundabout.
Hundreds of Kwankwasiyya members also participated, showing strong grassroots support.
Demonstrators sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
ADC described this as “an act of defiance” in support of their message.
Many participants carried placards endorsing Senator David Mark, including signs that read, “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”
Speaking at the rally, former presidential candidate Peter Obi urged Nigerians to defend democracy, emphasizing the dangers of a one-party system. On X, he said:
“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 today we’re calling on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and the security of our country to join us in defending democracy in our land.”
The demonstration comes after INEC decided to no longer accept correspondence from either faction of the ADC led by Senator David Mark or Nafiu Bala, following a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.
The ADC and allied opposition groups described the move as interference in party autonomy.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, told DAILY GAZETTE that the protest aimed to mobilize Nigerians in defence of democracy:
“INEC is now acting as arbiter, judge, accuser, and defender all at once. This is creating disaffection within the opposition. The people are angry, and we plan to show this anger through a peaceful rally. We expect Nigerians to join en masse in demonstrating for democracy.”
