Top opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Wednesday spearheaded a protest in Abuja against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its refusal to recognize the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark.
The protest, which drew several opposition figures and political stakeholders, was described by participants as a peaceful procession aimed at defending democratic principles and electoral fairness.
Speaking during the demonstration, former Kano State governor, Kwankwaso, criticized what he described as growing concerns over the neutrality of the electoral body, warning that opposition leaders would not remain silent while democratic processes are allegedly undermined.
“Today, I joined fellow coalition leaders and committed democrats to strongly condemn the blatant partisanship and compromised neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” Kwankwaso said.
He noted that the demonstration brought together multiple opposition groups united in their demand for transparency and impartiality in the country’s electoral process.
“The peaceful procession in Abuja united various opposition groups in a clear message: we will not stand idly by while our electoral umpire undermines the will of the people,” he added.
Kwankwaso further stressed that the coalition would continue to monitor developments involving INEC and push for adherence to democratic standards.
“We shall continue to closely monitor INEC’s activities and demand that it immediately returns to the path of impartiality, transparency, and professionalism so that democracy can thrive in Nigeria,” he stated.
The protest comes amid rising political tensions surrounding leadership recognition within the ADC, with opposition figures insisting that the commission must act in accordance with democratic norms and avoid actions that could erode public confidence ahead of future elections.
Political observers say the presence of several high-profile opposition leaders at the protest signals growing coordination among political actors seeking electoral reforms and greater accountability from the electoral body.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to officially respond to the protest at the time of filing this report.