Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, declaring a stand against what he described as threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
The protest, held in Maitama within the Federal Capital Territory, is part of growing opposition to INEC’s recent actions concerning the ADC’s leadership dispute.
Atiku said the demonstration was aimed at safeguarding democratic principles and preventing what he termed the emergence of authoritarian rule.
In a statement, he accused the electoral body of partisanship and stressed that the protest was a peaceful effort by party leaders and supporters to defend democratic values.
The protest comes amid heightened tensions within the ADC following INEC’s decision to remove the names of key figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records due to an ongoing court case over the party’s leadership.
Other prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are also expected to participate in the demonstration.
INEC had stated that its decision was based on a directive from the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the legal dispute.
However, the move has drawn criticism from opposition figures, who argue that it undermines political pluralism and raises concerns about the neutrality of the electoral body.
The situation continues to fuel political debate as stakeholders call for clarity and fairness in resolving the ADC leadership crisis.