Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside key political figures, on Wednesday led a high-profile protest in Abuja tagged “Occupy INEC,” calling out what they described as partisanship within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The demonstration, spearheaded by leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), drew prominent opposition figures including Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate; and former Senate President David Mark, now ADC National Chairman.
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; and former senator Dino Melaye were also present.
The protest aimed at challenging INEC’s neutrality, particularly following its decision to withdraw recognition from the ADC leadership after a Court of Appeal ruling.
Atiku, who had earlier announced the protest via his X account, said the action was a peaceful demonstration driven by the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
He warned against what he described as growing threats of authoritarianism, stressing the importance of protecting democratic institutions.
At the protest ground, demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Ojoro” while carrying placards with inscriptions including “Tinubu, why are you afraid?”, “Judges must give justice,” and “Tinubu, let democracy breathe.”
Other ADC stalwarts, including Aminu Tambuwal, joined the protest, with leaders seen carrying the party’s banner under the theme “Save Our Democracy.”
Singing old anthem
In a symbolic moment, participants also sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which was replaced in May 2024 with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Addressing the crowd, Amaechi urged Nigerians to take ownership of their future and resist political manipulation.
He called on citizens to defend democratic values and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
In a message shared through Tambuwal’s X account, Amaechi described the protest as a collective stand by ADC leaders against perceived bias by the electoral umpire.
He emphasized that the demonstration was rooted in a commitment to credible, free, and fair elections.
Tambuwal further noted that the protest transcended partisan politics, describing it as a civic duty aimed at preserving the will of the people and safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework from erosion.
