ADC Leaders Protest in Abuja Over INEC Decision on Party Leadership

Prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday led a protest in Abuja under the party’s banner, demanding action over a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) affecting the party’s leadership.

The demonstration, tagged “Save Our Democracy”, was organised in response to INEC’s decision to delist the ADC leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark.

During the march, protesters were seen carrying the party’s banner and singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”—which was replaced on May 29, 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Addressing the demonstrators, Amaechi urged Nigerians to defend the country’s democratic institutions and resist political manipulation.

In a statement shared on the X (formerly Twitter) handle of Tambuwal, Amaechi said the protest was a peaceful effort by party leaders to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“Alongside other leaders of the ADC, I am participating in a peaceful protest against the perceived partisanship of the electoral umpire,” he said.

“This patriotic action is driven by our collective commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that our electoral process remains credible, fair, and transparent.

“We must resist any attempt to undermine democratic institutions or pave the way for authoritarian tendencies. Our stance is not just political; it is a duty to protect the integrity of our nation and preserve the will of the people.”

The protest drew a large crowd of party supporters who marched through parts of the Federal Capital Territory to register their grievances.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the demonstration.