Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of bias and calling for a return to neutrality following the #OccupyINEC protest in Abuja.

The opposition leaders made their positions known after joining members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other coalition partners in a protest held on Wednesday to challenge recent INEC decisions affecting the party’s leadership.

In a statement, Kwankwaso described the protest as a unified stand by opposition groups against what he termed the commission’s lack of impartiality.

“Today, I joined fellow coalition leaders and committed democrats to condemn the clear partisanship and compromised neutrality of INEC,” he said.

He added that the peaceful demonstration in Abuja brought together various opposition figures to send a strong message that Nigerians would not tolerate actions capable of undermining the democratic process.

Kwankwaso further stressed that the opposition would continue to monitor the commission’s activities and insist on transparency and professionalism.

Atiku, in a separate statement, said he joined other ADC leaders at the protest led by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, describing the demonstration as a response to what he called the “partisanship” of INEC and the “excesses” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This protest sends a clear signal that any attempt to weaken our democracy will be resisted,” Atiku stated, expressing hope that the international community would take note of developments in Nigeria’s political space.

The protest comes amid escalating tensions between factions of the ADC and INEC, after the commission announced it would no longer recognise communications from rival leadership groups within the party, citing a subsisting court order.

Earlier, party members and opposition figures had gathered at Maitama Roundabout in Abuja under the #OccupyINEC banner, demanding reforms and warning against actions they believe could threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday visited former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo at Shekarau’s residence, known as Mundubawa Palace in Kano.

The visit is widely seen as part of strategic moves by the ruling party to win over influential political figures in Kano State amid shifting alliances ahead of future elections.

During the meeting, Yilwatda appealed to the two leaders to return to the APC, describing himself as their “son” who needs their support and guidance.

“Come and help me. I am your son, and I need your mentorship and backing,” he said, urging those present to also encourage the leaders to rejoin the party.

He emphasized the importance of unity among northern politicians in strengthening political cooperation.

Responding, Shekarau praised the APC chairman for making the visit in person, noting that it demonstrated respect and genuine commitment.

“You came yourself; this shows seriousness. You could have sent someone or met me elsewhere, but you chose to come,” he said.

The former governor disclosed that the visit coincided with ongoing consultations among him and his associates regarding their political future, especially in light of internal challenges within the opposition.

He, however, made it clear that no immediate decision would be reached, adding that further discussions were underway.

“In the coming days, you will hear from us on whether we will join you or not. Consultations are still ongoing,” Shekarau stated.

He stressed that any decision taken would be guided by the best interests of Kano State, saying, “Whatever we decide will be based on ‘Kano first.’”

The development comes just days after Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, also paid a visit to Shekarau.

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.”

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday in a massive demonstration over the party’s escalating leadership crisis.

The protest, drawing large crowds, comes amid heightened tensions within the ADC following disputes over leadership recognition.

Top opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, joined the rally, signaling a strong show of unity among key opposition leaders.

The demonstration is linked to recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which withdrew recognition from a faction of the party’s leadership, intensifying internal divisions.

Reports suggest that the party is currently embroiled in a three-way struggle for control, with multiple factions claiming legitimacy.

Party leaders described the protest as a fight to safeguard democracy, emphasizing that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system must be protected.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has published an affidavit from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dated September 12, 2025, officially recognising the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark.

The affidavit, made public by the party on Tuesday, confirms that the leadership transition within the ADC had been completed before the stated date.

Clauses 14 to 19 of the document reportedly affirm that INEC acknowledges the process as a fully concluded internal party matter.

ADC emphasized that the affidavit underscores that matters concerning party leadership are outside judicial jurisdiction, reinforcing the principle that political parties should exercise autonomy over their internal affairs without external interference.

The party expressed concerns about alleged efforts to influence democratic institutions.

It accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the embattled INEC Chairman, Prof. Josh Amupitan, of attempting to manipulate the electoral body to favor a one-party system.

ADC warned that such actions could compromise the independence and neutrality of INEC, potentially undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“Democracy can only flourish when institutions remain impartial,” the party stated, adding that any perception of bias by INEC risks weakening public trust and jeopardizing fair elections in the country.

Kabiru Gaya, the former governor of Kano State and ex-Senator representing Kano South, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter addressed to the ward chairman, Gaya Arewa, in Gaya Local Government Area, Kano State, Gaya stated that his decision reflects both his personal convictions and the best interests of his constituents.

“I hereby formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) effective today, April 5, 2026,” Gaya wrote.

He added: “It has been an honour to serve under the platform of the party, particularly during my tenure as a Senator from 2015 to 2023. I remain grateful for the support, trust, and opportunities given to me during this period.”

“After careful reflection and wide consultation, I have concluded that stepping aside from the party at this time is the best decision for my constituents and myself. I extend my sincere gratitude to the APC for the platform, cooperation, and camaraderie over the years.”

Kabiru Gaya, the former governor of Kano State and ex-Senator representing Kano South, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter addressed to the ward chairman, Gaya Arewa, in Gaya Local Government Area, Kano State, Gaya stated that his decision reflects both his personal convictions and the best interests of his constituents.

“I hereby formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) effective today, April 5, 2026,” Gaya wrote.

He added: “It has been an honour to serve under the platform of the party, particularly during my tenure as a Senator from 2015 to 2023. I remain grateful for the support, trust, and opportunities given to me during this period.”

“After careful reflection and wide consultation, I have concluded that stepping aside from the party at this time is the best decision for my constituents and myself. I extend my sincere gratitude to the APC for the platform, cooperation, and camaraderie over the years.”