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