A massive wave of protesters on Wednesday flooded the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja. The demonstrators, participating in the “Operation Save Our Democracy” campaign, defied a steady downpour to demand electoral accountability.
What began as a demonstration by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, quickly transformed into a broad coalition of opposition groups. Participants traveled from various parts of the country to express their collective anger over the commission’s recent actions.
Top opposition leaders lead march to Maitama
Prominent political figures gathered at the Maitama Roundabout to lead the coordinated march toward the INEC complex. The lineup included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and former Senate President David Mark.
They were joined by the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. The crowd sang the old national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” as they surged through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.
Peter Obi warns against a one-party system
Addressing the energized crowd, Peter Obi urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend the country’s democratic foundations. He emphasized that the survival of the nation depends on resisting any attempt to stifle political diversity.
“We say no to a one-party system,” Obi declared to the cheering demonstrators. He called on all lovers of democracy to join the movement to ensure that the electoral umpire remains a neutral body.
ADC demands immediate exit of INEC chairman
During the protest, ADC leaders formally demanded the immediate resignation of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN. They accused the chairman of partisan interference and breaching the constitution by interpreting court rulings on the party’s leadership.
Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola argued that the chairman’s actions have significantly damaged the institution’s reputation. The party warned that it would activate all lawful mechanisms to ensure accountability if its demands are ignored.
US firm threatens sanctions against election riggers
In a related development, a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has vowed to recommend global sanctions against Nigerian officials who undermine the electoral process. The firm stated it would spotlight individuals involved in rigging and recommend them for asset freezes and travel bans.
The firm noted that while the commission has the capacity for credible polls, it often shows weakness against political interference. They intend to brief the United States Congress and National Security Council on these emerging threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
Political heavyweights hold secret talks at David Mark’s home
While protests rocked the streets of Abuja, a high-powered meeting took place at the residence of Senator David Mark on Wednesday evening. Leaders from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, held closed-door discussions to form a united front.
The meeting effectively turned the residence into a political command center as the sun began to set. Strategists and former governors gathered to coordinate their response to the current political climate and the ruling party’s dominance.
Makinde leads PDP delegation on solidarity visit
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, led a senior delegation of PDP stakeholders to show support for the ADC leadership. He stated that the visit was necessary to strengthen democratic values and support fellow political actors during this crisis.
“We are committed to ensuring a truly democratic space in our country,” Makinde told journalists after the session. He emphasized that collaboration among opposition parties must prioritize national interest and the rule of law.
Kwankwaso and Obi join the strategic alliance
The meeting saw the attendance of several 2023 presidential candidates, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi. Other notable figures present included former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and former Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
The gathering highlights a significant realignment of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. These leaders appear determined to create a formidable coalition capable of challenging the status quo.
David Mark sues for peace within ADC ranks
Despite the external pressure and internal leadership disputes, Senator David Mark moved to calm the nerves of party members. Speaking earlier during a church service to mark his 78th birthday, he assured Nigerians that the ADC remains solid.
He described the ongoing tensions as a natural part of a growing institution and signaling evolution rather than a fracture. Mark reaffirmed his unshaken resolve to contribute to national unity and progress even at the age of 78.
Marafa alleges APC has hijacked INEC leadership
Senator Kabiru Marafa has raised a fresh alarm, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is now dominated by card-carrying members of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The former lawmaker claimed this composition completely undermines the commission’s constitutional requirement for neutrality.
Marafa, who served as a top coordinator for the Tinubu campaign in 2023, warned that the ruling party is attempting to suppress the opposition. He argued that Nigeria’s political diversity makes it impossible to successfully impose a one-party system.
Neutrality of the electoral umpire questioned
The former senator questioned how the public could expect fairness when appointees remain loyal to the political interests that placed them in office. He noted that the law specifically requires electoral officials to be non-partisan.
“They will always dance to the tune of their appointors,” Marafa stated. He believes this perceived bias has led to a total erosion of public trust in the electoral system as the 2027 elections approach.
APC accused of avoiding fair competition
Marafa further alleged that despite controlling 31 states, the ruling party appears reluctant to face real competition in the field. He found it laughable that a dominant party would seek to go into elections virtually unopposed.
He criticized the current leadership’s stance on the ADC crisis, labeling their interpretation of court orders as partisan and unfortunate. Marafa concluded that any attempt to railroad the country into a single-party state would ultimately fail.
