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.”

Fresh efforts are underway to draft former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, despite his continued silence on the issue.

A political group, the Goodluck Nigeria Movement, has unveiled plans to mobilise widespread support across the country, aiming to persuade the former leader to return to active politics.

Speaking after the inauguration of the group’s leadership, its National Chairman, Diekivie Ikiogha, said the movement intends to rally millions of Nigerians behind Jonathan’s potential candidacy.

He described the former president as a leader with enduring relevance, stating that Jonathan “has nothing to prove but everything to offer” in addressing Nigeria’s current challenges.

Ikiogha characterised the group as a platform for ordinary Nigerians, calling it “the voice of the hungry, the hope of the unemployed, and the defender of democracy.”

At the event, Robert Azibato was named National Secretary, while Derek Omoleh was appointed Director of Strategic Communications.

The group also called on Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to join what it described as a “national rescue mission,” aimed at restoring what it sees as a period of stability and progress associated with Jonathan’s administration.

In a statement issued in Uyo, Omoleh said the movement would soon expand its outreach through media campaigns, grassroots engagement, and international advocacy to build momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amid ongoing internal disputes, state chairmen of the African Democratic Congress have announced the formation of a new interim leadership to manage the party’s affairs ahead of its national convention.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Don Norman Obinna, Chairman of the party’s Abia State chapter, said the move was necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum and stabilise the party.

The newly constituted interim National Working Committee (NWC) includes Ogga Temitope Kingsley as National Chairman, Muhammad Khala Jidda as Deputy Chairman, and Odion Kennedy as Secretary.

Other members are Kabiru Hussaini (Assistant Secretary), Charles Idowu (National Organising Secretary), Johnny Derek (Deputy Organising Secretary), Stella Chukwuma (Treasurer), and Obinna himself as National Publicity Secretary.

Obinna explained that the interim leadership would engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission to organise a national convention that would produce a substantive leadership for the party.

He stressed that the intervention was aimed at preserving the ADC, insisting that the state chairmen acted in the party’s best interest.

According to him, the National Executive Committee had not approved certain congresses reportedly taking place, prompting many state leaders to distance themselves from such activities.

Dismissing allegations of external interference, Obinna rejected claims that the group was being backed by the All Progressives Congress, describing the accusations as unfounded.

He maintained that the effort was solely focused on strengthening the party and ensuring its readiness for future elections.

The Bauchi State caucus of the All Progressives Congress has rejected moves to admit Governor Bala Mohammed into the party, citing concerns over unity and internal cohesion.

The position was announced after a caucus meeting held in Abuja, where members unanimously opposed the governor’s possible entry into the APC.

The development follows earlier reports that Mohammed was considering a political shift, including a possible move to the African Democratic Congress.

His recent meeting with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano State, had fueled speculation about efforts to persuade him to join the ruling party.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, caucus chairman and senator representing Bauchi North, Sama’ila Dahuwa, said members firmly rejected the idea, stressing that Mohammed’s past criticisms of President Bola Tinubu and the APC remained a major concern.

He noted that the governor had neither withdrawn his earlier remarks nor made any reconciliation efforts with party leaders, warning that admitting him under such circumstances could harm the party’s credibility and electoral prospects in the state.

The caucus also faulted what it described as a lack of consultation with key stakeholders on the issue, insisting that due process and internal democracy must be respected.

It added that its position would be formally communicated to the party’s national leadership.

Meanwhile, indications suggest that Mohammed may be reconsidering his planned defection, as he continues consultations with members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State.

Reports indicate that the PDP has set up a committee, led by Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, to review the party’s future direction amid ongoing political realignments.

The committee is expected to engage stakeholders and present its recommendations at a later meeting.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has criticised Nafiu Bala, a factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress, accusing him of actions that undermine both the party and Nigeria’s democratic process.

Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, which recently prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission to delist a faction of the party’s leadership led by David Mark following legal challenges.

Speaking during an interview, Kwankwaso revealed that he had made efforts to resolve the crisis by inviting Bala for a meeting, but the latter failed to honour the invitation.

He expressed disappointment over Bala’s absence, noting that he had hoped to offer guidance and find a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

Kwankwaso warned that Bala’s actions could have far-reaching consequences, not only for his political future but also for the stability and growth of the ADC.

He stressed that the party, which has recently attracted significant support and membership, should not be derailed by internal conflicts.

The former Kano governor further appealed to respected figures, including traditional rulers and religious leaders such as the Emir of Gombe, to intervene and help mediate the situation.

He described the matter as serious and urged Bala to reconsider his approach for the sake of unity within the party and the broader interest of Nigeria’s democracy.