—Organise rally against electoral commission
—Don’t kill democracy, Obi, Amaechi reject one-party rule
—No cause for alarm over ADC crisis, David Mark assures Nigerians
ABUJA — Leaders and members of African Democratic Congress, ADC, joined a large demonstration in Abuja yesterday, protesting decisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which they said undermined democracy and the party’s internal leadership.
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew former presidential candidates and prominent politicians, including ADC leader and former Senate President, Senator David Mark; and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to Maitama Roundabout.
Others are former governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party, LP, 2023 presidential candidate; Mr Peter Obi; former governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement; Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Dino Melaye, former senator representing Kogi West.
Hundreds of Kwankwasiyya members also participated.
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.”
Several demonstrators also held placards supporting Senator David Mark, including ones that read, “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”
Don’t kill democracy — Obi, Amaechi, others
Addressing the protest, 2023 Labour Party, LP, Presidential candidate,Mr Peter Obi spoke on behalf of ADC members and other opposition leaders, urging Nigerians to defend the country’s democracy.
He said on X: “We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying our democracy must not be killed.
“We say no to a one-party system, and for that, today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land.”
The protest followed INEC’s recent decision not to accept correspondence from either factions of the ADC, led by Senator David Mark or Nafiu Bala Gombe, after a Court of Appeal order on the party’s leadership dispute.
ADC and other opposition groups described the move as a restriction on party autonomy and an interference with internal party affairs.
Addressing the crowd, Rotimi Amaechi said: “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 till now, they have not given us roads. The money is gone. By the grace of God, they will lose the election.”
Organisers said the protest is part of a wider effort by opposition figures and civic groups to defend democratic institutions and ensure credible elections.
They maintained that the demonstration remained peaceful, even as security operatives, who were clearly outnumbered, kept watch around INEC complex.
We’re mobilising to defend democracy – Tanko
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, had earlier said the demonstration was to mobilise Nigerians in defence of democracy.
“This commission is now becoming the arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time. Our major issue is the manner in which INEC has been going about creating disaffection in the opposition.
“The people are really angry and plan to show this anger by coming out. So, we’ll expect them to come out en masse for a peaceful rally. Then we’ll just demonstrate and protest,” he said.
Flood of protesters at INEC
The large crowd of protesters flooded the headquarters of the INEC in Abuja, defying steady rain to demand electoral accountability as tensions build ahead of the 2027 elections.
What began as a protest linked to a faction of the ADC quickly grew into something bigger. People from different political parties and groups joined in, turning it into a broad coalition rally focused on defending democracy and questioning credibility of the electoral system.
Muyideen Bashiru, a protester, said the turnout showed the concerns cut across party lines, with participants travelling in from different parts of the country.
The protesters had earlier gathered at David Mark’s residence, where a morning service was held to mark his 78th birthday, before moving out in a coordinated march.
“As you can see, it’s massive, this is not just about the ADC, there are members of other political parties here as well,” he said.
From Apo Legislative Quarters, the crowd surged towards INEC office, swelling along the way and taking over major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.
“You’ll recall that this protest was initially planned for last week but was cancelled,” Bashiru said.
The earlier plan was shelved after heavy security deployment, including roadblocks and patrol vehicles. Yesterday’s protest appeared largely unannounced, suggesting a shift in approach that may have caught authorities off guard.
“But today feels different, it seems spontaneous, almost as if security agencies were caught off guard,” he said.
Despite the rain, the crowd kept growing at INEC office, with an atmosphere that was intense but orderly.”You can see the crowd behind me; it’s still growing, and the energy is intense,” Bashiru added.
No cause for alarm over ADC crisis, David Mark assures Nigerians
However, David Mark moved to calm rising tensions within the ADC, assuring party members and Nigerians that the crisis was no threat to the party’s unity.
Speaking at a church service held in his honour to mark his 78th birthday, he said: ”On the issue of ongoing developments within our great party, the African Democratic Congress, I wish to assure our members and Nigerians at large that there is no cause for alarm.”
He described the tensions as part of a natural process, signalling that the party is evolving, rather than fracturing.
“Challenges are a natural part of any growing institution. What is important is our collective resolve to overcome them,” Mark added.
Even so, he stressed that the party’s core remains solid, with its leadership and members aligned on the bigger goal.
Beyond the immediate crisis, Mark widened the lens, linking the party’s stability to the broader health of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Let me reiterate that we are fully committed to the survival of democracy and the development of our dear nation, Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the party would stay the course, working to ensure that democratic institutions delivered real benefits to citizens. Reflecting on his 78th birthday, Mark struck a personal note, expressing gratitude, while signalling that his role in national affairs is far from over.
“At 78, my resolve remains unshaken. I am inspired more than ever to contribute my quota to national unity, peace, and progress,” he said.
ADC lists demands at INEC protest, seeks chairman’s exit
During the protest, ADC leaders called for the immediate resignation or removal of the chairman of INEC, Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN, accusing him of partisanship, constitutional breaches, and actions threatening to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
The position was conveyed by Senator David Mark, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who accused the INEC chairman of stepping beyond his constitutional role and aligning with factional interests within the party.
“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 told the INEC chairman.
“The dispute centres on what the ADC describes as an attempt by INEC chairman to publicly interpret court rulings, a move the party insisted crossed a constitutional line and blurred the boundary between institutions.
“The interpretation of court judgments 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 stated.
The ADC said recent actions by the commission, including its communication with the party, had deepened concerns that INEC might no longer be acting as a neutral umpire.
“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.
It also argued that such actions risked weakening the country’s democratic structure, particularly where they appeared to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties or elevate factional interests.
To support its claims, ADC pointed to a series of internal decisions taken in 2025, including multiple National Executive Committee, NEC, meetings that led to the emergence of its current leadership under Senator Mark.
According to the party, those processes were conducted transparently, attended by INEC officials, and carried out without any objections at the time.
It said the outcomes were formally communicated to INEC, which acknowledged them and updated its records to reflect the new leadership.
The party further claimed that INEC had, in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court, confirmed the legitimacy of those processes, but alleged that efforts are now being made to pressure officials to reverse their earlier positions.
“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda you have decided to pursue. This is, indeed, unconscionable,” the party said
While recognising the contributions of many officials within the commission, ADC said the chairman’s actions had damaged the institution’s reputation and eroded public trust.
“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the commission into disrepute,” it added.
The party warned that if its demands were ignored, it would pursue both legal action and broader civic mobilisation. 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 party said.
ADC’s demands
•Immediate resignation of the INEC Chairman or his removal by appropriate constitutional authorities
•Withdrawal of INEC’s correspondence to the ADC described as “offensive”
•Formal apology from INEC to the ADC
•Commitment by INEC to refrain from interference in the internal affairs of political parties
•Enforcement measures if ignored: Judicial proceedings
•Coordinated civic action
INEC populated by APC card-carrying members — Marafa
Meanwhile, former lawmaker representing Zamfara Central, Senator Kabiru Marafa, has alleged that the leadership of the INEC was dominated by card-carrying members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, contrary to the law requiring neutrality.
Marafa, who also served as Zamfara State coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2023, accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, despite boasting of controlling about 31 states. “Nigeria is too big a country to be railroaded into a one-party system. It will not work,” he said.
Questions INEC neutrality
Expressing lack of confidence in the electoral umpire, Marafa said the composition of INEC undermined its credibility. “The law says those appointed must be neutral and non-partisan, but what we have are card-carrying members of political parties. So how do you expect them to be neutral?” he queried.
He argued that this perceived bias has eroded public trust in the commission.
Faults stance on ADC crisis
Marafa described INEC’s position on the leadership dispute within the ADC as “unfortunate and laughable,” accusing it of partisanship.
He faulted the commission’s interpretation of a court directive to revert to status quo, insisting that the party had always had a leadership.
“There has never been a time when ADC had no leadership. So how do you now say you won’t recognise anybody?” he queried.
Accuses APC of avoiding contest
The former lawmaker further alleged that the APC, despite its dominance, was reluctant to face real competition. “A party that boasts of 31 governors and control of government institutions should not be afraid of opponents. Yet, it appears they want to go into elections unopposed,” he said.
He also questioned the wide gap between party primaries and the general election in the electoral timetable.
Warns against one-party state
Marafa warned that any attempt to impose a one-party system would fail, citing Nigeria’s size and political diversity.
“Many stronger leaders have tried it before and failed. This one will also fail,” he said, adding that political appointees often remained loyal to those who appointed them, regardless of official neutrality.
“They will always dance to the tune of their appointors,” he said.
PDP, ADC leaders hold closed-door talks at Mark’s residence
To mount a credible opposition to the APC, leaders of the ADC and Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held closed door talks at the Abuja residence of Senator David Mark, yesterday.
At the meeting were Atiku Abubakar; Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, alongside key actors from the ADC, led by Mark, and senior PDP stakeholders under the coordination of Turaki.
At 6pm, Mark’s residence had effectively turned into a political command centre.
Among those already inside were former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; and a line-up of former governors, including Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, and Babangida Aliyu.
Also present were elder statesman and former Information Minister, Jerry Gana; PDP factional National Secretary, Taofeeq Arapaja; ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi; and PDP factional National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong.
PDP faction visits ADC, pledges democratic solidarity
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, said the visit underscored the PDP’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and supporting like-minded political actors across party lines.
He said: “We came here to visit the leadership of ADC. We are on a solidarity visit.
“We have observed developments within the political space, including protests by ADC members, and felt it necessary to show support.”
He noted that constructive engagement among political actors remained essential to preserving democratic norms and preventing actions capable of undermining public confidence in governance.
“We are committed to ensuring a truly democratic space in our country,” he said.
Makinde emphasised that collaboration among parties should prioritise national interest, stability, and respect for the rule of law ahead of the electoral season.
We’ll recommend sanctions against INEC officials, election riggers, says US firm hired by Atiku
Von Batten-Montague-York, a lobbying firm based in Washington, United States, has vowed to recommend sanctions against Nigerian politicians and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who attempt to manipulate or undermine the country’s electoral process.
The move comes amid growing global concern over the rising cases of electoral malpractices in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the firm said it would henceforth spotlight electoral officials and individuals that engage in election rigging in Nigeria.
The firm said it would recommend the electoral offenders to the office of the US president and Congress for global sanctions that will include asset freezes and travel bans.
“We will recommend to the Office of the President and Congress that Global Magnitsky sanctions be imposed on any Nigerian politician or official of INEC who engages in efforts to rig Nigeria’s ongoing electoral process,” it wrote.
“These measures should include freezing all foreign assets, restricting access to the global financial system, and imposing travel bans on individuals and their immediate family members.”
The firm said that despite the US State Department noting that INEC has the institutional capacity to conduct credible federal elections, the electoral commission has repeatedly shown weaknesses when confronted with deliberate attempts by political actors to interfere in the voting process.
According to the firm, the vulnerabilities were evident during the 2023 elections, adding that “current developments suggest the same pattern may be emerging again.”
Even though the US Congress is on Easter recess, Von Batten-Montague-York said it is actively sharing the state department’s concerns with key members and intends to brief congressional leadership and senior officials at the country’s national security council early next week.
“Unlike the Biden Administration, which took no meaningful action in 2023, it is not in President Donald Trump’s nature to remain passive in the face of an election being openly undermined,” it stated.
Von Batten-Montague-York emphasised that its aim is to hold accountable any politicians or INEC officials who compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar recently hired the US firm to protect and strengthen his “reputational standing” in the US.
The contract agreement was signed by Karl Von Batten, the managing partner at the firm, and Fabiyi Oladimeji, a Nigerian politician, on March 9 and 10, 2026, respectively.
According to the document filed with the US Department of Justice, one of the contract’s objectives entails that the firm will “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the US.
