The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has protested the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) affecting its leadership, with top opposition figures joining the demonstration in Abuja on Wednesday.
Leaders and supporters of the ADC gathered at the INEC headquarters to protest the commission’s action on the party’s leadership recognition.
The demonstration came hours after former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called on Nigerians to support opposition efforts against what he described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola, were seen alongside other protesters at the INEC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, were also seen chanting “Tinubu Must Go” during the demonstration.
The protest followed INEC’s decision to remove David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the ADC, citing a Court of Appeal judgment.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said the situation was a party matter, insisting that “heaven would not fall” if the ADC is barred from participating in the 2027 general elections.
The ADC, however, alleged that INEC was plotting to stop it from fielding candidates in the 2027 polls, accusing President Bola Tinubu of attempting to face no opposition in the election.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the allegation was based on documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission’s affidavit.
Meanwhile, the APC maintained that the crisis within the ADC was self-inflicted, accusing the opposition party of desperation for power.
