Leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) converged on the capital for a massive demonstration against recent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decisions.
Under the banner #OccupyINEC, protesters argued that the commission’s decisions have stifled the party’s internal leadership and threatened Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
The Maitama Roundabout became a focal point for the opposition, drawing heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi.
They were joined by prominent figures such as Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Dino Melaye, and hundreds of Kwankwasiyya movement members.
In a pointed display of dissent, the crowd sang the former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which was officially replaced by the Tinubu administration in May 2024.
The ADC described the move as a deliberate “act of defiance.”
Additionally, the rally showed strong support for Senator David Mark, with many demonstrators carrying placards expressing trust in his leadership within the National Working Committee (NWC).
Addressing the crowd on behalf of the coalition, Peter Obi called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending the nation’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.”
Persecondnews reports that the protest follows INEC’s recent decision to no longer accept correspondence from either faction of the ADC led by Senator David Mark or Nafiu Bala, after a Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s leadership dispute.
ADC and other opposition groups described the move as a restriction on party autonomy and an interference with internal party affairs.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the demonstration was aimed at mobilizing 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.
Author
Leave a comment