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Prominent political opposition figures, on Wednesday stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, to protest the non-recognition of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark. Vehicular and pedestrian movement around the commission headquarters was severely disrupted as demonstrators gathered despite continued rainfall.
The protests, initially related to the ADC leadership crisis, later developed into broader coalition rallies that attracted participants from various political parties and civil society groups.
Among the prominent figures present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the Labor Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Home Affairs, Rauf Aregbesola; former Senate President David Mark; former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, as well as other political stakeholders.
Protesters had earlier gathered at Mark’s residence, where a short morning service was held to mark his 78th birthday, before proceeding to INEC headquarters. The procession, which started from the Apo Legislative Building, grew as more and more supporters joined along major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.
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This protest comes amidst rising tensions following INEC’s decision to stop recognizing ADC’s leadership of Mark following a court ruling regarding the leadership dispute with Nafiu Bala.
Opposition leaders at the rally accused the election body of bias, and said their actions could pave the way for a one-party system in the country.
Protesters carried placards expressing support for Mark’s leadership, with writings such as, “In David Mark’s NWC, we believe.”
Addressing his supporters in a post on X, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to defend democratic values and reject any attempts to weaken the multi-party system in the country.
