OccupyINEC: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Others Join ADC Rally Over INEC Decisions

By Toffa Momoh | Abuja

Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a massive protest in Abuja on Wednesday, condemning the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decisions, which they claim undermine democracy and the party’s internal leadership.

The demonstration, dubbed “#OccupyINEC,” drew prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The protest was sparked by INEC’s decision to derecognize the ADC’s leadership, citing a Court of Appeal judgment.

The commission announced it would no longer recognize Senator David Mark as the party’s national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, among others.

INEC also stated it would refrain from engaging with any faction of the ADC until the Federal High Court resolves the leadership dispute.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi accused INEC of attempting to impose a one-party state on Nigeria, claiming the commission’s actions are politically motivated. “We in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are saying that Nigeria will not become a one-party state in our generation,” Abdullahi stated.

The protest highlights growing concerns over INEC’s impartiality and the potential impact on Nigeria’s democracy.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other opposition leaders have joined the ADC, calling for INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan’s resignation over alleged bias.