Top opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, joined members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a mass protest held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, was staged in response to recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which protesters claim threaten democratic principles and interfere with the internal affairs of political parties. The rally took place at the Maitama Roundabout and attracted a large turnout of party supporters and political stakeholders.
Other notable figures present included Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye. Hundreds of supporters from the Kwankwasiyya movement also participated, adding to the scale and visibility of the protest.
In a symbolic gesture, demonstrators sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement in May 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the pre-independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The ADC described the act as a deliberate show of resistance.
Placards expressing loyalty to David Mark were also displayed, with messages affirming confidence in his leadership of the party’s National Working Committee.
The protest follows INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of communications from factions of the ADC led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, after a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute. Opposition figures argue that the move undermines party independence and sets a concerning precedent.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Yunusa Tanko stated that the protest was aimed at rallying Nigerians to defend democratic values and protect the integrity of the political system.
