Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso storm INEC office, protest over electoral decisions in Abuja

African Democratic Congress (ADC) key members and leaders staged a protest on Wednesday, opposing recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, featured prominent politicians including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye.

Protesters sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, even though it was replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

The ADC described this act as a form of defiance.

Several demonstrators also held placards supporting David Mark, with messages such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust,” signaling confidence in his leadership within the party.

Addressing the crowd, former presidential candidate Peter Obi spoke on behalf of ADC members and other opposition leaders, urging Nigerians to defend the country’s democracy.

“We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed,” he said on X.

The protest underscores growing political tensions in Nigeria, as opposition leaders continue to call for transparency and the protection of the democratic process.