Prominent politicians and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday in a high-profile protest against recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which they claim undermine democracy and the party’s internal leadership.
The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew former presidential candidates and key political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, to Maitama Roundabout. Hundreds of supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement also joined the rally.
Protesters sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, as an act of defiance, despite its replacement on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the country’s 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” Many held placards backing Senator David Mark, including slogans like, “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”
Addressing the crowd, former presidential candidate Peter Obi urged Nigerians to defend democracy, emphasizing that the nation must resist a one-party system. He stated 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 call on all Nigerians who value unity, peace, and security to join us in defending democracy in our land.”
The protest comes after INEC’s decision to no longer recognize correspondence from either faction of the ADC, led by Senator David Mark or Nafiu Bala, following a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute. ADC and allied opposition groups criticized the move as interference in internal party matters and a threat to party autonomy.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, told The PUNCH that the demonstration was intended to mobilize Nigerians in defense of democracy.
“This commission is now becoming the arbiter, judge, accuser, and defender at the same time. People are angry, and they plan to show this anger through a peaceful rally,” he said.
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