Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a massive protest in Abuja against recent actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which they alleged undermine democracy and interfere with the party’s internal leadership.
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew a broad coalition of opposition figures and supporters, including former presidential candidates and top political actors. Among those present were former Senate President and ADC leader, Senator David Mark; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, among others.
Hundreds of members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement also participated, swelling the crowd that gathered at the Maitama Roundabout before marching toward INEC headquarters.
In a symbolic display, protesters sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement in May 2024 with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” Demonstrators also carried placards expressing support for the ADC leadership, including messages backing Senator David Mark.
Addressing the crowd, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to defend democratic values and resist any drift toward a one-party state.
“We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, are saying our democracy must not be killed. We say no to a one-party system,” he stated.
Rotimi Amaechi also criticised the current administration, alleging unfulfilled promises and worsening economic conditions, while expressing optimism about electoral change.
The demonstration followed INEC’s decision to decline correspondence from factions within the ADC leadership, citing a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.
The ADC and allied opposition groups described the move as interference in party affairs and a threat to political pluralism.
Despite steady rainfall, large crowds flooded the INEC headquarters, turning the protest into a broader coalition rally. Participants cut across party lines, with many travelling from different parts of the country.
A protester, Muyideen Bashiru, said the turnout reflected widespread concern about the credibility of the electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is not just about the ADC. People from different political parties are here. It shows the concern is national,” he said.
The protest, initially planned for an earlier date but postponed due to heavy security presence, appeared more spontaneous this time, catching authorities off guard. Nonetheless, security operatives monitored the demonstration, which organisers said remained peaceful.
During the protest, ADC leaders called for the resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman, alleging partisanship and constitutional breaches. The party also demanded:
The party warned that continued actions by the commission could erode public trust and weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Earlier, Senator David Mark sought to calm tensions within the ADC, describing the crisis as part of a natural evolution rather than a breakdown.
“There is no cause for alarm. Challenges are part of any growing institution,” he said during a church service marking his 78th birthday.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy and national development.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders also held a closed-door meeting at Mark’s residence, involving key figures from both the ADC and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the engagement as a show of solidarity and a commitment to strengthening democratic values across party lines.
Former Zamfara Central Senator, Kabiru Marafa, accused INEC of lacking neutrality, alleging that its leadership includes individuals affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He warned against attempts to impose a one-party system, insisting that Nigeria’s diversity makes such a move unsustainable.
In a related development, a United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has indicated plans to recommend sanctions against Nigerian politicians and INEC officials found to be involved in electoral malpractice.
The firm said it would push for measures including asset freezes and travel bans under the Global Magnitsky framework, citing concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The protest and subsequent political engagements highlight growing tensions within Nigeria’s political space as the 2027 general elections approach, with opposition figures calling for electoral transparency, institutional neutrality, and the protection of democratic principles.
