Prominent figures of the African Democratic Congress, backed by a broad coalition of opposition leaders, converged on the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday, calling for the immediate resignation of National Commissioner Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam (SAN) and other senior officials, including members of the legal department such as Amupitan, over the disputed de-recognition of the party’s leadership.
Braving persistent rainfall across the Federal Capital Territory, the protesters accused the electoral body of interfering in internal party matters while acting in a manner that favours the ruling party and weakens opposition structures.
What began as a protest linked to the leadership dispute involving former Senate President David Mark’s faction soon evolved into a large-scale “Save Our Democracy” rally, drawing participation from various opposition blocs.
Those in attendance maintained that the integrity of the 2027 general elections could be undermined if the current INEC leadership remains unchanged. They pressed for the removal of officials they allege are compromising the commission’s independence and neutrality.
Political activity intensified further as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, along with several senior Peoples Democratic Party figures aligned with Makinde, held a closed-door meeting with ADC leaders.
The meeting, which brought together influential PDP stakeholders and ADC representatives, has stirred significant interest within political circles, pointing to the formation of a coordinated front designed to strengthen opposition cohesion ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo criticised the protest, describing it as an attempt to exert undue political pressure.
Responding to the presence of notable opposition figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rauf Aregbesola, Keyamo alleged that the demonstration was aimed at influencing public opinion and placing pressure on judicial processes through media engagement and street mobilisation.
He further argued that the recognition of a single faction within a political party does not determine the health of the country’s democratic system, while suggesting that those involved in the protest were seeking to bypass established legal channels.
