April 08, (THEWILL) — A strong wave of democratic activism swept through Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday as thousands of supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), joined by opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, staged a massive peaceful protest in Abuja, demanding sweeping electoral reforms and the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joseph Amupitan.
The demonstration, anchored on the rallying cry “Save Our Democracy,” drew a broad coalition of party loyalists, civil society actors, and concerned Nigerians, highlighting a growing civic resolve to defend democratic principles and institutional integrity.
Marching through key areas of the Federal Capital Territory, protesters displayed placards reading “Defend Democracy,” “Respect Party Constitution,” and “INEC Must Be Neutral,” in what observers described as a vibrant expression of participatory democracy.
The protest comes against the backdrop of a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, intensified by INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from a faction led by David Mark.
The development has triggered a multi-factional dispute, evolving into a three-way contest over the party’s national leadership structure.
Addressing the crowd, Atiku Abubakar called for calm while stressing the need for institutional neutrality, warning that actions capable of undermining internal party democracy could erode public confidence in the electoral system.
While Peter Obi emphasised that democracy must be anchored on fairness, transparency, and respect for due process, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending democratic values; Rabiu Kwankwaso described the protest as a legitimate civic action, underscoring the importance of a strong opposition in sustaining democratic governance.
At the heart of the protest was a firm demand by the ADC leadership for the resignation or removal of INEC Chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan, over alleged constitutional breaches and partisanship.
Presenting the party’s position at INEC headquarters, David Mark alongside National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola delivered a sharply worded statement accusing the electoral umpire of compromising its neutrality.
“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party declared.
The ADC further criticised what it described as an overreach into judicial functions, stating, “The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role… amounts to a serious constitutional breach.”
Raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral system, the party warned, “This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.”
It added that perceived interference in party affairs could destabilise democratic pluralism, noting, “Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done.”
The party also rejected INEC’s correspondence to it, insisting, “INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgments to suit a preferred narrative.”
Citing its internal processes, the ADC maintained that its leadership structure emerged from transparent National Executive Committee meetings held in 2025, which were attended and initially recognised by INEC.
However, it alleged attempts to reverse earlier positions, stating, “We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable.”
While acknowledging the contributions of other officials within the Commission, the party accused the chairman of undermining institutional credibility, saying, “But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute.”
The ADC outlined its demands, including the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman, withdrawal of what it termed “offensive correspondence,” issuance of a formal apology, and a commitment to non-interference in party affairs.
It warned that failure to comply would trigger further action, stating, “Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.”
Reaffirming its position, the party concluded, “The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise.”
Despite the charged atmosphere, the protest remained peaceful, with security agencies maintaining order across Abuja and no major disruptions were recorded.
Organisers described the demonstration as lawful and necessary to draw attention to critical democratic concerns.
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