Opposition Leaders, ADC Supporters Storm INEC Headquarters in Massive Abuja Protest
ABUJA — A broad coalition of opposition leaders and hundreds of protesters "occupied" the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters on Wednesday, demanding the immediate resignation of Chairman Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN.
The demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC, was sparked by a leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Protesters accused the commission of partisanship and "undermining democracy" by refusing to recognize party leadership following a Court of Appeal order.
Key Demands of the ADC
During the rally, ADC leaders—including former Senate President David Mark and ex-Minister Rauf Aregbesola—issued a formal 6-point ultimatum:
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Resignation of the INEC Chairman: Accused of "disgraceful" partisanship and constitutional breaches.
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Withdrawal of Correspondence: Immediate retraction of "offensive" letters sent to the ADC regarding its leadership.
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Formal Apology: A public apology from the commission to the party.
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Non-Interference: A commitment to cease meddling in internal party affairs.
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Judicial Proceedings: Threats of legal action if demands are not met.
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Civic Mobilization: Continued coordinated protests to defend democratic institutions.
A Growing Opposition Front
What began as an ADC-led grievance transformed into a massive display of opposition unity. Heavyweight political figures joined the march, including:
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Atiku Abubakar (PDP)
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Peter Obi (Labour Party)
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Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP/Kwankwasiyya)
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Seyi Makinde (Oyo State Governor)
Addressing the crowd, Peter Obi urged Nigerians to resist a "one-party system," while Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC) broke ranks with his party to allege that INEC is currently "populated by card-carrying APC members," eroding public trust ahead of the 2027 elections.
International Pressure
The tension has drawn international attention. Von Batten-Montague-York, a Washington-based lobbying firm recently hired by Atiku Abubakar, announced it will recommend Global Magnitsky sanctions (asset freezes and travel bans) against any Nigerian officials or politicians found undermining the electoral process.
Current Status
Despite steady rain and a heavy security presence, the protest remained orderly. Following the march, top leaders of the PDP and ADC held a closed-door "strategy meeting" at David Mark’s residence, signaling the potential formation of a powerful merger or alliance against the ruling APC.
INEC has yet to issue an official response to the 6-point demand.