Prominent figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday, leading a “Save Nigeria Democracy” protest. Among the key participants were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governor o
f Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Anambra governor Peter Obi.
The march began at the Maitama Roundabout and is heading toward the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
ADC leaders accused the electoral body of bias in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming it is undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
Protesters carried placards with slogans like “Hands off our courts” as they marched through the capital. Amaechi was seen addressing the crowd from a van along the route.
Atiku shared footage of the protest on X, writing: “Myself and other ADC leaders are peacefully protesting the partisanship of the electoral umpire.
Our patriotic stance aims to safeguard our democracy and prevent the rise of a dictatorship.”
Peter Obi also called on Nigerians to join the demonstration. “We say NO to a one-party system. Today, we are calling on every Nigerian who values unity, peace, and security to defend democracy in our land,” he posted.
A video shared by photographer Esther Umoh showed Obi, Kwankwaso, and other ADC leaders holding a banner reading: “Tinubu, let our democracy breathe.”
The protest comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. INEC recently derecognized parts of the party following a Court of Appeal ruling on March 12.
The electoral commission stated it would not recognize the leadership groups led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark.
Bala had attended the ADC unveiling of the Mark-led leadership but denied there was any formal agreement to appoint them.
He accused former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu of imposing the Mark-led executives without proper consultation.
On Tuesday, state chairmen of the ADC rejected the groups led by Bala and Mark, accusing them of hijacking the party and supporting INEC’s decision.
In response, the Mark-led faction accused INEC of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and working for the APC.
