The demonstration, organised by members and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was held under the banner #OccupyINEC. It attracted several prominent politicians, including Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, who gathered at Maitama Roundabout alongside hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
In a symbolic move, protesters sang Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite it being officially replaced on May 29, 2024, by Bola Tinubu with the country’s original 1960 anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” According to the ADC, the act was a deliberate show of resistance.
Many demonstrators carried placards backing David Mark, with messages like “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”
Speaking during the protest, Peter Obi addressed the crowd on behalf of ADC members and other opposition leaders. He urged Nigerians not to remain silent, warning that democracy must be protected at all costs.
“We are saying clearly that our democracy must not be destroyed,” he stated. “We reject any move toward a one-party system and call on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security to stand up and defend the nation.”
The protest comes after INEC announced it would no longer recognise or accept official communication from either faction of the ADC, currently divided between groups led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership crisis.
Opposition figures and ADC members have strongly criticised the decision, describing it as interference in party affairs and a threat to political independence.
Earlier, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, told Naija Street Matters that the protest was aimed at mobilising Nigerians to defend democracy.
He accused INEC of overstepping its role, saying the commission now acts as “judge, accuser, and defender at the same time,” while also fueling division within opposition parties.
Tanko added that many Nigerians are frustrated and ready to express their anger through peaceful protest, calling for mass participation in the rally.
