Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have joined the African Democratic Congress in a major “OccupyINEC” protest rally demanding the reversal of recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew former presidential candidates and prominent politicians, including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, to Maitama Roundabout. Among others, hundreds of Kwankwasiyya members also participated.
Atiku told the crowd the commission’s actions threatened democratic fairness. “INEC must remain neutral and transparent in its decisions. We will not allow any institution to be used to suppress the opposition,” he said.
The demonstration saw participants singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite the fact that it was replaced on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the country’s 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Obi echoed the call for accountability, stating the protest was about ensuring credible polls in 2027. “The people deserve an electoral umpire that works for all Nigerians, not one that favours the ruling party,” he added.
Kwankwaso described the gathering as a warning to INEC. “We are here to tell the commission that its recent rulings are unacceptable and must be reviewed,” he said.
ADC leaders said the rally was part of a broader push to protect opposition parties from what they called “selective recognition” by the electoral body. INEC has not issued an immediate response to the protest.
