Prominent figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday led a “Save Nigeria Democracy” protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
Top party chieftains, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Aminu Tambuwal, were present as protesters marched through the streets.
Hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, joined the demonstration, which began at Maitama Roundabout and ended at INEC’s headquarters. Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Hands off our courts” and “Judges must give justice,” expressing concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The demonstrators accused INEC of partisanship, alleging that the commission is working in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine democracy.
Amaechi addressed the crowd from a van during the march, while Atiku shared moments from the protest on social media, stating, “I and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship.”
Earlier, Obi had called on “well-meaning Nigerians” and “lovers of democracy” to join the protest, emphasizing resistance against a one-party system. Tambuwal also described the demonstration as a collective effort to ensure Nigeria’s electoral process remains credible, fair, and transparent.
The protest comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. INEC recently derecognised factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark, citing a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12. Bala has accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of imposing leadership without proper consultation, while state chairmen have rejected both factions, backing INEC’s decision.
In response, the Mark-led group has accused INEC of undermining democracy and aligning with the APC, further deepening tensions within the party.
What you should know
ADC leaders and supporters staged a major protest in Abuja, accusing INEC of bias and defending Nigeria’s democracy.
The demonstration comes amid an internal leadership crisis within the party, with multiple factions contesting control and INEC stepping in to derecognise disputed leadership groups.