Former presidential candidates and top politicians join hundreds of demonstrators in Abuja, condemning INEC’s interference in party leadership and calling for the defense of Nigeria’s democracy.

Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a large protest in Abuja on Wednesday, denouncing decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that they claim undermine democracy and interfere with the party’s internal leadership.

The rally, branded #OccupyINEC, drew prominent figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye to Maitama Roundabout, alongside hundreds of Kwankwasiyya supporters.

Participants defiantly sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, which was replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu’s reinstatement of the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The ADC described this act as a symbolic protest against what it views as government overreach.

Demonstrators carried placards backing Senator David Mark, including messages like, “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.” Addressing the rally, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to defend democracy, warning against the dangers of a one-party system.

He tweeted: “We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed. We say NO to a one-party system… join us as we defend democracy in our land.”

The protest follows INEC’s recent refusal to recognize correspondence from factions of the ADC led by Senator David Mark or Nafiu Bala, following a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute. ADC officials and opposition groups condemned the move as a violation of party autonomy.

Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said “This commission is now acting as arbiter, judge, accuser, and defender at the same time. Nigerians are angry and plan to show this anger by coming out in large numbers for a peaceful rally to defend democracy.”