Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, others lead “Save Our Democracy” protest against INEC

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president; David Mark, national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); and Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, on Wednesday spearheaded a protest tagged “Occupy INEC” in Abuja.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election; Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State; Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State; and former senator Dino Melaye were also present at the demonstration.

The protest, organised by leaders of the ADC, was aimed at challenging what they described as the “partisanship” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Atiku Abubakar had earlier announced the planned protest on his X account, stating that he and other ADC leaders were engaging in a peaceful demonstration against the perceived bias of the electoral body.

He added that the action was driven by a commitment to protect Nigeria’s democracy and guard against any drift toward authoritarian rule.

At the protest ground, demonstrators repeatedly chanted “Ojoro” while displaying placards with messages such as “Tinubu, why are you afraid?”, “Judges must give justice,” and “Tinubu, let democracy breathe.”

Read also: Mass defection hits Jigawa as APC, NNPP, PDP members move to ADC 

The protest followed INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the ADC leadership after a Court of Appeal ruling.

Other prominent ADC figures, including Aminu Tambuwal, joined Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rotimi Amaechi in leading the “Save Our Democracy” protest, where they were seen carrying the party’s banner.

Participants also sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which was replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Addressing the crowd, Rotimi Amaechi called on Nigerians to take charge of their future and resist political manipulation. He urged citizens to defend democratic values and ensure the integrity of the country’s electoral process.

In a message shared via Aminu Tambuwal’s X account, Amaechi noted that the protest reflected a collective resolve among ADC leaders to oppose perceived bias by the electoral umpire.

He emphasised that the action was rooted in a broader commitment to uphold credible, fair, and transparent elections, warning against any moves that could weaken democratic institutions or encourage authoritarian tendencies.

He further stressed that the protest was not merely political, but a civic responsibility to preserve the will of the people and protect the nation’s democratic framework.

In another development, opposition leaders and political stakeholders reacted to the #OccupyINEC protest in Abuja, raising concerns over what they described as threats to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adelaja Adeoye, Lagos PDP governorship aspirant, said the protest reflects growing public anxiety over the direction of Nigeria’s democracy, warning against any drift toward a one-party state.

“Recent developments, including the gale of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, which now controls the majority of states, and perceived selective decisions by INEC, raise serious concerns about a deliberate push toward one-party dominance,” Adeoye said.

Adeoye, a real estate entrepreneur and president of the Laja Adeoye Foundation, stressed that a vibrant multi-party system remains critical for accountability and good governance.

“A multi-party democracy ensures choice, strengthens accountability, and promotes responsive governance. These are the ideals upon which Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999 has been built,” he said.

He called on the INEC chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, to uphold neutrality and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

“What we are witnessing today is unprecedented—opposition parties being thrown into disarray, apparently to clear the path for one dominant political force. This only reinforces fears about the future of our democracy,” he added.

Adeoye further urged INEC, the judiciary, and security agencies to remain impartial as the 2027 elections approach, warning that any perceived bias could erode public confidence and trigger resistance from citizens and civil society.

Also reacting, Tunji Shelle, ADC chieftain, criticised INEC’s involvement in party leadership disputes, describing it as inconsistent with legal precedent.

“For INEC to interfere is uncalled for, even though the Supreme Court has said that leadership crises in parties should be resolved internally,” Shelle said. “Everybody finds it unbelievable that INEC can bring itself to that level of delisting David Mark and other executives.”

He questioned the basis of the commission’s actions, alleging possible political influence and insisting that the ADC would challenge any perceived injustice.

“The individual protesting has resigned from the ADC, and the evidence is there. It raises serious concerns about how INEC arrived at its decision. This will not be the end of the matter,” he said.

Similarly, Ladipo Johnson, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), expressed solidarity with opposition leaders involved in the protest, describing it as a necessary stand to defend electoral integrity.

“The NNPP stands in total solidarity with the ADC and all opposition leaders gathered in Abuja today to defend the sanctity of our ballot,” Johnson said.

“We cannot sit idly by while the pillars of our democracy are weakened by systemic failures and disregard for the people’s will.”

He added that the demonstration sends a strong message about the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral system.

“Today’s protest is a vital call for a transparent electoral process that truly reflects the will of Nigerians. We are united in demanding justice and the rule of law,” he said.