Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Lead Protesters to INEC With Petition

A coalition of opposition leaders and supporters on Wednesday staged a massive protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, declaring that Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into a one-party system.

The protest, which drew prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former governors Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola, and former senator Dino Melaye, saw thousands of demonstrators march through the rains to the electoral body’s office to demand reforms and electoral accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.

Pecohub reports that what initially started off as a protest linked to a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) quickly evolved into a broader coalition movement, attracting participants from multiple political parties and civic groups.

The demonstrators had earlier gathered at the residence of David Mark, where a morning service was held to mark his 78th birthday, before proceeding in a coordinated march to INEC headquarters.

Muyideen Bashiru, one of the protesters, described the turnout as a reflection of widespread concern across party lines.

“We’re currently heading towards the INEC office. You can see the crowd; there are hundreds, possibly thousands of people gathered,” Bashiru said.

“As you can see, it’s massive; this is not just about the ADC: there are members of other political parties here as well.”

The crowd, which moved from Apo Legislative Quarters, continued to swell as more supporters joined along the route, eventually taking over major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.

Bashiru disclosed that an earlier attempt to hold the protest had been shelved due to heavy security presence and that Wednesday’s action appeared spontaneous.

“You’ll recall that this protest was initially planned for last week but was cancelled,” he said.

“But today feels different; it seems spontaneous, almost as if security agencies were caught off guard.

“You can see the crowd behind me; it’s still growing, and the energy is intense,” he said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, warned against any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.

“We are simply holding a peaceful demonstration to say that we cannot have a one-party system in our country. It is a democratic nation. We are appealing to those in government: do not destroy our democracy. We need it for our children and for generations to come. Nigerians must have the freedom to choose who leads them. This is critical for our country,” Obi said.

Similarly, former minister of transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also addressed protesters, criticising the current administration.

“Imagine a president who came to power and the first thing he did was to change the national anthem… and gave us hunger. He said he would give us roads; up until now, they have not given us roads. The money is gone. By the grace of God, they will lose the election,” Amaechi said.

Organisers maintained that the protest was a peaceful one, even as security personnel monitored the situation around the INEC complex.

At the protest ground, leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) submitted a petition to INEC, calling for the resignation or removal of its chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan, over alleged partisanship and constitutional breaches.

The petition, presented by ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, accused the INEC boss of interfering in party affairs and undermining the neutrality of the electoral body.

“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party stated.

The ADC faulted the INEC chairman for allegedly interpreting court rulings, insisting that such powers lie solely with the judiciary.

“The interpretation of court judgements is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role… amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party said.

It warned that recent actions by the Commission risk eroding public trust and weakening Nigeria’s democratic structure.

“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.

“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism, and all of these you have done.”

The party demanded the withdrawal of what it described as “offensive correspondence,” a formal apology, and a commitment by INEC to refrain from interfering in internal party matters.

“INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgements to suit a preferred narrative,” the petition added.

Citing its internal processes in 2025, the ADC maintained that its leadership emergence followed due process and was duly acknowledged by INEC at the time, including in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court.

“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,” the party stated.

While acknowledging the contributions of other INEC officials, the ADC said the chairman’s actions had brought the Commission into disrepute.

The party warned that failure to address its demands would trigger further legal and civic actions.

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the ADC concluded.