Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Kwankwaso Lead ‘Save Democracy’ Protest in Abuja

Prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola, on Wednesday led a “Save Nigeria Democracy” protest in Abuja, accusing the electoral body of bias in favour of the ruling party.

The protest, organised by leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), drew hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who marched through the streets of the capital.

The demonstrators converged at Maitama Roundabout and proceeded towards the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voicing concerns over what they described as threats to Nigeria’s democratic process.

Atiku and other ADC leaders alleged that INEC is working in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine democracy.

Some protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Hands off our courts,” while Amaechi was seen addressing the crowd from a moving vehicle during the march.

In a statement shared on social media, Atiku said the protest was a peaceful demonstration against what he called the “partisanship” of the electoral umpire.

“Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” he said.

Earlier, Obi had called on Nigerians to join the protest, urging “lovers of democracy” to resist what he described as a push towards a one-party system.

The protest comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. INEC recently announced it would not recognise factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark, citing a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.

The dispute has deepened divisions within the party, with state chairmen rejecting both factions and backing INEC’s decision. Meanwhile, the Mark-led group has accused the commission of undermining democratic principles and acting in the interest of the APC.