A coalition of opposition leaders led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday at the Abuja head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), against the commission’s de-recognition of the leadership of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Leading a crowd of protesters carrying banners and placards and singing anti-President Bola Tinubu songs, together with Atiku were prominent opposition leaders, including former Labour Party’s Presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; ADC national secretary Rauf Aregbesola; and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement Rabiu Kwankwaso.
They protester alleged partisanship of the commission over its decision to de-recognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The protest, which drew a large crowd of party members and supporters, was sparked by INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from rival factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark, both claiming leadership of the ADC.
Atiku condemned INEC’s action as partisan, saying it aimed to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and pave the way for a dictatorship.
Other notable figures at the protest included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Senator Dino Melaye, and ex-Kano State deputy governor Aminu Gwarzo.
The ADC has been embroiled in an internal crisis since July 2025, with the dispute escalating into legal battles and ultimately leading to INEC’s decision.
The protest highlights growing tensions between the opposition and the electoral commission, with the ADC accusing INEC of laying landmines to prevent them from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections.
