By Ayomide Otitoju
Prominent figures 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.
Among those present were Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Aminu Tambuwal, alongside hundreds of supporters and members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The protest commenced at the Maitama Roundabout and proceeded through major streets of the Federal Capital Territory, with demonstrators converging on INEC’s headquarters. Protesters accused the electoral body of partisanship and alleged that it was acting in the interest of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine democratic processes.
Participants carried placards with inscriptions such as “Hands off our courts” and “Judges must give justice.” Amaechi was seen addressing protesters from a vehicle as the march progressed, stating that the demonstration was aimed at resisting what he described as the electoral umpire’s bias and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Earlier, Obi had called on “well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy” to join the protest, rejecting any move towards a one-party system. Tambuwal also described the demonstration as a collective effort to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral system remains credible, fair, and transparent, warning against attempts to weaken democratic institutions.
The protest comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. INEC recently derecognised factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark, citing a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal. While Bala acknowledged attending the unveiling of the Mark-led leadership, he denied any agreement legitimising the appointments, accusing former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of imposing the executives without due consultation.
The situation further escalated on Tuesday when ADC state chairmen rejected both factions, accusing them of hijacking the party and endorsing INEC’s decision. In response, the Mark-led group accused INEC of undermining democracy and acting in favour of the APC.
