Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso lead ADC demonstration against INEC actions
Top opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Wednesday joined members of the African Democratic Congress in a mass protest in Abuja, condemning recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission which they claim threaten democratic principles and the party’s internal structure.
The demonstration, held under the banner #OccupyINEC, attracted several prominent politicians such as Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye. The protest took place at Maitama Roundabout and also saw a strong turnout of Kwankwasiyya supporters.
During the rally, participants sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, even though it had been replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the country’s original independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The ADC later stated that the act was carried out “in an act of defiance.”
Protesters were also seen displaying placards expressing support for David Mark, with inscriptions such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”
Speaking at the event on behalf of ADC members and allied opposition figures, Obi called on Nigerians to safeguard democratic values.
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.”
The protest comes in the wake of INEC’s decision to stop recognising communications from both factions of the ADC, led by Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal on the party’s leadership crisis. The ADC and other opposition groups have criticised the move, describing it as a limitation on party independence and undue interference in internal affairs.
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