ADC protest INEC Abuja as opposition leaders stage rally in Maitama, challenging electoral commission decisions and defending party autonomy
Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a large protest in Maitama Roundabout, Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday, challenging decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over internal party leadership disputes and electoral administration.
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The ADC protest INEC Abuja demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former governors and presidential candidates, as participants accused the electoral body of undermining democratic processes and party autonomy.
Among those present were Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, alongside hundreds of supporters from various political blocs, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The ADC protest INEC Abuja rally also featured symbolic acts of defiance, including the singing of Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its official replacement in May 2024 with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Protesters were seen carrying placards expressing support for factional leadership within the party, including messages backing Senator David Mark and his National Working Committee.
Addressing the crowd, former presidential candidate Peter Obi called for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy and warned against what he described as growing threats to political pluralism.
“We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed,” he said.
The ADC protest INEC Abuja gathering comes in response to INEC’s recent decision to stop recognising correspondence from rival factions within the party following a Court of Appeal judgment on its leadership crisis.
Opposition figures at the rally argued that the move amounts to interference in internal party affairs and weakens democratic structures.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the protest was aimed at mobilising citizens to defend democracy and ensure accountability from public institutions.
He stated that Nigerians were increasingly frustrated with INEC’s handling of opposition disputes and called for peaceful mass participation in civic action.
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The demonstration underscores rising political tensions ahead of future electoral cycles, with opposition parties demanding clearer boundaries for electoral oversight and internal party governance.
