Prominent members of 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 figures, including Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, were among those present as protesters marched through the streets of the capital.
They were joined by hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The protest began at the Maitama Roundabout and ended at INEC’s headquarters. Demonstrators accused the electoral body of partisanship, alleging it is working in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Hands off our courts” and “Judges must give justice.” Amaechi was seen addressing the crowd from a van as the march progressed.
In a post on X, Atiku Abubakar shared photos and videos from the protest, stating:
“Myself 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, Peter Obi had called on “well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy” to join the protest.
“We say no to a one-party system. Today, we call on Nigerians who believe in the unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy,” he wrote.
Photographer Esther Umoh also shared a video showing Obi, Kwankwaso, and other party leaders holding a banner that read, “Tinubu, let our democracy breathe.”
Tambuwal described the protest as being driven by a collective commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democratic process.
“We must resist any attempt to undermine democratic institutions or pave the way for authoritarian tendencies. This is not just political, it is a duty to preserve the will of the people,” he said.
Crisis rocks ADC
The protest comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. INEC recently de-recognised factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark, citing a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.
Bala acknowledged attending the unveiling of the Mark-led leadership but denied any agreement to formally install them. He accused former ADC national chairman Ralph Nwosu of imposing the leadership without proper consultation.
The crisis deepened on Tuesday when ADC state chairmen rejected both factions, accusing them of attempting to hijack the party and backing INEC’s decision.
In response, the Mark-led group accused INEC of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and acting in the interest of the APC.
