Opposition leaders across Nigeria have taken to the streets of Abuja over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) decision on the African Democratic Congress (ADC’s) leadership.
The protesters, comprising a coalition of political figures and civil society activists, are demanding the immediate reversal of INEC’s recent move to de-list the recognized national executive of the ADC from its portal.
The controversy began earlier this month when INEC withdrew recognition for the David Mark-led faction of the ADC, citing court orders and internal power struggles.
This move has been interpreted by critics as an attempt to destabilize one of the country’s most vocal third-party platforms ahead of the next election cycle.
Meanwhile, the protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew opposition leaders like former presidential candidates and prominent politicians, including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, to the streets of Abuja. Among others, hundreds of Kwankwasiyya members also participated.
The demonstration saw participants singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, even though it was replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the country’s 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The ADC further confirmed that the act was done “in an act of defiance.”
Several demonstrators also held placards supporting Senator David Mark, including ones that read, “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”
Addressing the protest, former presidential candidate Peter Obi spoke on behalf of ADC members and other opposition leaders, urging Nigerians to defend the country’s democracy.
He said on X: “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 for that, today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land.”
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has also justified the decision of the opposition leaders to take to the streets of Abuja.
Tanko explained that the demonstration is aimed at mobilising Nigerians in defence of democracy.
“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,” he said.
