DERECOGNITION OF ADC LEADERS: Scores Of Protesters Led by Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Submit Petition To INEC

|  Demand reversal of INEC’s decision, Amupitan’s resignation

By  Chibuzo Ukaibe,  Ademu Idakwo, Abuja

A coalition of opposition leaders and supporters on Wednesday staged a massive protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, declaring that Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into a one-party system.

The protest, which drew prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former governors Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola, and former senator Dino Melaye, saw thousands of demonstrators march through the rains to the electoral body’s office to demand reforms and electoral accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.

LEADERSHIP reports that what initially started off as a protest linked to a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) quickly evolved into a broader coalition movement, attracting participants from multiple political parties and civic groups.

The demonstrators had earlier gathered at the residence of David Mark, where a morning service was held to mark his 78th birthday, before proceeding in a coordinated march to INEC headquarters.

Muyideen Bashiru, one of the protesters, described the turnout as a reflection of widespread concern across party lines.

“We’re currently heading towards the INEC office. You can see the crowd; there are hundreds, possibly thousands of people gathered,” Bashiru said.

“As you can see, it’s massive; this is not just about the ADC: there are members of other political parties here as well.”

The crowd, which moved from Apo Legislative Quarters, continued to swell as more supporters joined along the route, eventually taking over major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.

Bashiru disclosed that an earlier attempt to hold the protest had been shelved due to heavy security presence and that Wednesday’s action appeared spontaneous.

“You’ll recall that this protest was initially planned for last week but was cancelled,” he said.

“But today feels different; it seems spontaneous, almost as if security agencies were caught off guard.

“You can see the crowd behind me; it’s still growing, and the energy is intense,” he said.

‘Don’t Kill Democracy’

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, warned against any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.

“We are simply holding a peaceful demonstration to say that we cannot have a one-party system in our country. It is a democratic nation. We are appealing to those in government: do not destroy our democracy. We need it for our children and for generations to come. Nigerians must have the freedom to choose who leads them. This is critical for our country,” Obi said.

Similarly, former minister of transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also addressed protesters, criticising the current administration.

“Imagine a president who came to power and the first thing he did was to change the national anthem… and gave us hunger. He said he would give us roads; up until now, they have not given us roads. The money is gone. By the grace of God, they will lose the election,” Amaechi said.

Organisers maintained that the protest was a peaceful one, even as security personnel monitored the situation around the INEC complex.

ADC Submits Petition, Demands INEC Chairman’s Exit

At the protest ground, leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) submitted a petition to INEC, calling for the resignation or removal of its chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan, over alleged partisanship and constitutional breaches.

The petition, presented by ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, accused the INEC boss of interfering in party affairs and undermining the neutrality of the electoral body.

“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party stated.

The ADC faulted the INEC chairman for allegedly interpreting court rulings, insisting that such powers lie solely with the judiciary.

“The interpretation of court judgements is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role… amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party said.

It warned that recent actions by the Commission risk eroding public trust and weakening Nigeria’s democratic structure.

“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.

“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism, and all of these you have done.”

The party demanded the withdrawal of what it described as “offensive correspondence,” a formal apology, and a commitment by INEC to refrain from interfering in internal party matters.

“INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgements to suit a preferred narrative,” the petition added.

Citing its internal processes in 2025, the ADC maintained that its leadership emergence followed due process and was duly acknowledged by INEC at the time, including in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court.

“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,” the party stated.

While acknowledging the contributions of other INEC officials, the ADC said the chairman’s actions had brought the Commission into disrepute.

The party warned that failure to address its demands would trigger further legal and civic actions.

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the ADC concluded.

Turaki-led PDP Visits Mark-led ADC In Show Of Unity

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has paid a solidarity visit to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a move seen as a growing alignment among opposition forces amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The high-level delegation, led by prominent PDP figures, visited ADC leaders to express concern over what both parties described as increasing pressure and “targeted attacks” on opposition platforms in Nigeria.

Among those in the PDP delegation were Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN); chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; founding PDP member Prof. Jerry Gana; former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja; Hajiya Inna Ciroma; Gen. Ishaya Bamayi;  Hon. Fred Agbedi; and PDP national publicity secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

They were received by a coalition of ADC leaders and opposition heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President David Mark; Kashim Imam; former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal; Senator Tunde Ogbeha; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi.

Growing Opposition Concerns

During the meeting, the PDP delegation acknowledged what it described as a shared and growing threat confronting opposition parties, noting that similar political pressures had recently affected its own internal structure and operations.

The party stressed the need for vigilance against actions capable of weakening democratic institutions and limiting political plurality in the country.

 ADC Raises The Alarm Over Fate Of Nation’s Democracy

In response, ADC leaders expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a timely demonstration of unity among opposition forces.

They warned of what they termed an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s democracy, alleging that major opposition parties are being deliberately weakened through political and institutional pressures.

Both parties agreed on the need for sustained engagement and collaboration to defend democratic values, strengthen institutions, and ensure a level playing field ahead of future elections.

Background

The visit comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions within Nigeria’s political space, including leadership disputes in opposition parties, legal battles, and recent protests at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In recent weeks, opposition figures have increasingly accused state institutions of bias and interference, particularly in matters relating to party leadership and electoral processes. The ADC, which has emerged as a rallying platform for a broad opposition coalition, has been at the centre of these disputes.

Observers say the PDP’s visit signals a potential realignment within the opposition, as parties seek common ground to counter the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and to present a united front ahead of 2027.

The development also highlights growing calls among political stakeholders for the protection of democratic norms, internal party autonomy, and credible electoral processes in Nigeria.