Atiku, Obi, others lead #OccupyINEC protest
Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a large protest in Abuja on Wednesday, condemning decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which they say undermine democracy and the party’s internal leadership.
The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, attracted prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal and Dino Melaye, who gathered at Maitama Roundabout alongside hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
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Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a large protest in Abuja on Wednesday, condemning decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which they say undermine democracy and the party’s internal leadership.
The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, attracted prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal and Dino Melaye, who gathered at Maitama Roundabout alongside hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Protesters sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement on 29 May 2024 with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, reinstated by President Bola Tinubu. The ADC described the act as one of defiance.
Many demonstrators carried placards in support of David Mark, with inscriptions such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust”.
Addressing the crowd, Obi, speaking on behalf of ADC members and other opposition leaders, urged Nigerians to defend the country’s democracy.
“We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, are saying that our democracy must not be destroyed,” he said in a post on X. “We say no to a one-party system and call on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace and security to join us in defending democracy in our land.”
The protest follows INEC’s decision to stop recognising correspondence from both factions of the ADC led by Senator Mark and Nafiu Bala, after a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute. The ADC and other opposition groups have criticised the move, describing it as a restriction on party autonomy and interference in internal party affairs.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the demonstration was aimed at mobilising Nigerians in defence of democracy.
“This commission is becoming the arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time. Our concern is the manner in which INEC is creating disaffection within the opposition,” he said.
He added that Nigerians were expected to turn out in large numbers for a peaceful rally to express their grievances.
