Atiku, Peter Obi and Amaechi among others on Wednesday led ADC ‘Save Our Democracy’ protest in Abuja over INEC decision to delist party.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday led a protest in Abuja under the banner of “Save Our Democracy.”
The protest followed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delist the party leadership headed by David Mark, a move that has intensified the leadership crisis within the opposition party.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched through parts of the Federal Capital Territory, carrying the ADC banner and demanding the restoration of the party’s leadership structure. During the rally, protesters also sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which was replaced on May 29, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu reinstated the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Addressing the crowd, Amaechi urged Nigerians to take control of their democratic future and resist what he described as political manipulation.
Speaking during the demonstration, the former minister said citizens must remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions and the integrity of the electoral process.
In a statement shared on Tambuwal’s X handle, Amaechi said the protest was aimed at challenging what opposition leaders perceive as partisanship by the electoral commission.
“This patriotic action is driven by our collective commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that our electoral process remains credible, fair and transparent,” he said.
Amaechi further warned against attempts to weaken democratic institutions or pave the way for authoritarian tendencies in the country.
“Our stance is not just political; it is a duty to protect the integrity of our nation and preserve the will of the people,” he added.
The protest comes amid growing tensions within the ADC following INEC’s recent decision affecting the party’s leadership, a development that has sparked political debate ahead of the next electoral cycle.
