A coalition of opposition leaders under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday took to the streets of Abuja in a high-profile protest, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of working in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The protest, which drew a large crowd of party supporters and political stakeholders, was led by prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Other political heavyweights present included former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, former SGF Babachir Lawal, and Senator Dino Melaye, alongside several party chieftains and grassroots mobilisers.
Marching toward INEC headquarters, the protesters alleged that the electoral body is no longer neutral, claiming it is being used as a tool by the APC to suppress opposition voices and influence future elections.
In a statement posted on his verified social media accounts, Atiku described the demonstration as peaceful but necessary.
“We are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” he stated.
The ADC and its allies insist that the alleged alignment between INEC and the APC poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations, warning that continued lack of transparency could erode public trust in elections.
The protest also comes at a time of internal challenges within the ADC, adding another layer of tension to Nigeria’s already complex political landscape ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
As of press time, INEC has yet to officially respond to the accusations.
