Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside prominent opposition figures, staged a large protest in Abuja on Wednesday under the banner #OccupyINEC, challenging recent actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which they claim threaten Nigeria’s democratic structure.
The demonstration, held at Maitama Roundabout, drew high-profile political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Dino Melaye, and former Senate President David Mark. Hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, also turned out in significant numbers.
Participants at the rally openly expressed defiance, with many singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement in May 2024 by the reinstated 1960 anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The ADC later described the act as symbolic resistance.
Placards bearing messages of support for David Mark were also visible at the protest grounds, with inscriptions such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust,” underscoring the party’s internal leadership tensions.
Speaking on behalf of opposition leaders, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to resist what he described as threats to democratic order.
“We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, are saying that our democracy must not be killed,” he stated. “We say NO to a one-party system and call on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and national security to stand up and defend democracy.”
The protest follows INEC’s decision to stop recognising correspondence from both factions of the ADC — one led by David Mark and the other by Nafiu Bala — after a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute. Opposition figures have criticised the move, describing it as interference in internal party affairs and a violation of political party autonomy.
Earlier, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, had indicated that the protest was aimed at mobilising citizens to defend democratic principles.
“This commission is now acting as arbiter, judge, accuser, and defender all at once,” Tanko said. “Our concern is how INEC’s actions are creating disaffection within the opposition. Nigerians are angry and ready to express it through a peaceful demonstration.”
The protest reflects growing tensions between opposition groups and the electoral body, with organisers insisting that sustained civic engagement is necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.
