OccupyINEC: Atiku, Obi, David Mark, others storm ADC protest over INEC actions

Prominent figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday converged in Abuja for a mass protest against recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which they alleged threaten democratic principles and party independence.

The protest, branded **#OccupyINEC**, attracted top political leaders and former presidential contenders such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye. The gathering took place at Maitama Roundabout and also saw strong participation from members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

During the rally, demonstrators rendered Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, even though it had been officially replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the original independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The ADC later described the act as deliberate “in an act of defiance.”

Supporters at the protest carried placards endorsing Senator David Mark, including messages such as “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”

Speaking at the event, Peter Obi addressed protesters on behalf of opposition leaders, urging citizens to safeguard democratic values.

He said on X: “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, and for that, today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land.”

The demonstration comes after INEC announced it would no longer recognise correspondence from either faction of the ADC led by David Mark or Nafiu Bala, following a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership tussle. Opposition figures and ADC members argue that the decision undermines party autonomy and amounts to interference in internal affairs.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, explained that the protest was aimed at mobilising Nigerians to defend democratic governance.

“This commission is now becoming the arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time. Our major issue is the manner in which INEC has been going about creating disaffection in the opposition.

“The people are really angry and plan to show this anger by coming out. So, we’ll expect them to come out en masse for a peaceful rally. Then we’ll just demonstrate and protest,” he said.