Key leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday joined a major protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing strong dissatisfaction with recent decisions made by the electoral body.
The protest, widely known as #OccupyINEC, drew the presence of several prominent Nigerian political figures. Among those in attendance were Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye. Their presence highlighted the level of concern among opposition leaders over the current state of Nigeria’s electoral system.
During the demonstration, protesters were seen singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”. This anthem was officially replaced on May 29, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu reinstated the country’s 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The ADC later confirmed that the choice to sing the old anthem was a deliberate act of defiance against recent government actions.
In addition, many protesters carried placards showing support for David Mark, a senior political figure. Some of the messages displayed included slogans such as, “In David Mark’s NWC we trust,” indicating confidence in his leadership within the party’s National Working Committee.
Speaking at the protest, Peter Obi addressed the crowd on behalf of ADC members and other opposition leaders. He called on Nigerians to stand firm in protecting the country’s democratic system. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), he stressed that democracy must be preserved and not allowed to collapse, urging citizens and leaders alike to defend the nation’s democratic values.
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