Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) joined a large demonstration in Abuja on Wednesday, protesting decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which they said undermine democracy and the party’s internal leadership.
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew former presidential candidates and prominent politicians, including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, to the Maitama Roundabout. Hundreds of Kwankwasiyya members also participated.
The demonstration saw participants singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite the fact that 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 carried out “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 wrote on X: “We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians and 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 are calling on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land.”
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. The ADC and other opposition groups described the move as a restriction on party autonomy and interference in internal party affairs.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, had earlier told journalists that the demonstration aimed to mobilise 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 creating disaffection within the opposition.
“The people are really angry and plan to show this anger by coming out. So, we expect them to come out en masse for a peaceful rally. We will simply demonstrate and protest,” he said.
