By Ada Nkong
Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have marched on the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding that the electoral body reverse its interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling and restore the status quo.
The protest comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the opposition party, just months ahead of Nigeria’s general elections.
Prominent opposition figures defied heavy rain to lead hundreds of ADC supporters through the streets of Abuja in a protest tagged “Occupy INEC.”
Among those at the fore were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and factional ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark.
The demonstrators are rejecting INEC’s decision to remove Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, recognised by the protesters as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary — from its official records.
They accuse the commission of misinterpreting a Court of Appeal order directing all parties to maintain the status quo in the ongoing leadership dispute.
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Protesters accuse INEC of bias and undermining democratic processes ahead of the 2027 polls.
A National Commissioner representing the INEC Chairman received the protesters’ petition and issued an acknowledgment letter to Rauf Aregbesola.
The demonstrators insist that their votes must count in the coming elections and have vowed to pursue legal and political avenues to resolve the impasse.
The ADC leadership crisis continues to deepen as Nigeria’s opposition figures intensify efforts to resolve the impasse ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC maintains it is simply complying with the Court of Appeal’s order to preserve the status quo.
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