ADC crisis: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, others knock INEC, call for neutrality after Abuja protest
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging partisanship and calling for a return to neutrality following the #OccupyINEC protest in Abuja.
The opposition leaders made their statements after joining members of the African Democratic Congress and coalition partners at the demonstration on Wednesday, which challenged recent INEC decisions affecting the party’s leadership.
Kwankwaso described the protest as a united front by opposition groups against what he termed bias by the commission.
“Today, I joined fellow coalition leaders and committed democrats to strongly condemn the blatant partisanship and compromised neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said.
He added, “the peaceful procession in Abuja united various opposition groups in a clear message: we will not stand idly by while our electoral umpire undermines the will of the people.”
Kwankwaso also noted that the opposition will continue to scrutinize INEC’s actions, stating, “We shall continue to closely monitor INEC’s activities and demand that it immediately returns to the path of impartiality, transparency, and professionalism so that democracy can thrive in Nigeria.”
In a separate statement, Atiku said he joined other ADC leaders at the protest, led by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark.
“This morning, I joined other patriotic leaders of the ADC… led by our indefatigable National Chairman, Sen. David Mark… to participate in a peaceful protest against the partisanship of INEC and the tyranny of the Tinubu-led APC administration,” he said.
He emphasized that the protest sent a strong signal to authorities: “I believe they received the message that this effort to undermine our democracy will not succeed. It will be resisted and challenged to the best of our abilities.”
Atiku also called for international attention, adding, “I also hope that the international community is paying attention to the threat to Nigeria, its democracy, and the opposition.”
The protest followed escalating tensions between ADC factions and INEC after the commission stated it would no longer recognise communications from rival leadership groups within the party, citing a court order.
Party leaders and members, along with other opposition figures, had earlier gathered at Maitama Roundabout in Abuja under the #OccupyINEC banner, demanding reforms and accusing the electoral body of actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s multi-party system.
