Prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, joined a large-scale protest by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja against decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Leaders and members of the ADC converged at the Maitama Roundabout and marched to the INEC headquarters, protesting what they described as the commission’s undue interference in the party’s internal affairs. The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew hundreds of supporters despite early morning rain in the Federal Capital Territory.
Key Figures at the Protest
Notable attendees included:
- Senator David Mark (ADC National Chairman)
- Rotimi Amaechi (former Minister of Transportation)
- Rauf Aregbesola (former Osun State Governor)
- Aminu Tambuwal (former Sokoto State Governor)
- Dino Melaye (former Senator)
The protest centred on INEC’s decision to derecognise the leadership of the David Mark-led faction of the ADC, including the removal of Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary from the commission’s portal. Protesters accused INEC of partisanship and favouring a rival faction allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Demands and Allegations
ADC leaders demanded immediate recognition of the Mark-led executive committee, insisting it was duly elected and legitimate. They argued that INEC’s actions undermined the party’s autonomy, violated democratic principles, and threatened the broader opposition coalition’s efforts ahead of future elections.
Atiku Abubakar reportedly emphasised that the protest was not just about the ADC but about defending democracy against what he called attempts at “one-party dominance.” Peter Obi and Kwankwaso were seen actively participating, with supporters chanting slogans like “Tinubu Must Go” and singing the old national anthem.
Background to the Crisis
The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership tussle between the Mark/Aregbesola faction and a rival group said to be led by figures sympathetic to the ruling party. INEC’s refusal to recognise correspondences from the Mark-led group triggered the street action. Opposition figures framed the protest as a stand against electoral body bias and a call to protect Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
As of the time of this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the protest. The demonstration remained largely peaceful, with heavy security presence around the commission’s headquarters.
This development signals a potential realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics, as major figures from different parties unite under the ADC platform to challenge perceived institutional interference.
