Why Atiku, Obi, David Mark, Amaechi Led ADC Protest To INEC Headquarters

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman David Mark, and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi were among prominent figures who led a demonstration dubbed ‘Occupy INEC’ in Abuja on Wednesday.

Also joining the protest were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former senator Dino Melaye.

The march was organised by ADC leadership to register their displeasure over what they described as biased conduct by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire,” Atiku said.

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

Protesters gathered at the venue chanting “Ojoro” while brandishing placards and banners bearing messages such as ‘Tinubu, why are you afraid?’, ‘Judges must give justice’, and ‘Tinubu, let democracy breathe’.

The protest follows INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from the ADC leadership in the aftermath of a Court of Appeal ruling.

At the rally, ADC leaders demanded the immediate resignation or sacking of INEC Chairman Professor Joseph Amupitan (SAN), accusing him of taking sides, violating constitutional boundaries, and endangering Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.

These positions were articulated by Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party told the INEC chairman.

A central point of contention was the INEC chairman’s alleged public interpretation of court verdicts — something the ADC insisted was exclusively the preserve of the judiciary.

“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party stated.

Related: ADC Accuses Tinubu of Orchestrating Secret Operations Against Opposition Alliance

The party expressed concern that recent communications from the commission suggested INEC was no longer functioning as an impartial electoral body.

“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.

The ADC also cautioned that such conduct risked undermining Nigeria’s democratic framework, particularly if it amounted to meddling in the internal workings of political parties or favouring factional groupings.

In making its case, the party referenced a series of internal decisions taken in 2025, including several National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that culminated in the emergence of its current leadership under Senator Mark.

The ADC maintained that these processes were transparent, witnessed by INEC officials, and were not challenged at the time, with outcomes formally communicated to — and acknowledged by — INEC, which subsequently updated its records.

The party further alleged that INEC had affirmed the legitimacy of those processes in a sworn court affidavit, but claimed that pressure was now being mounted on officials to walk back their earlier positions.

“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda you have decided to pursue. This is, indeed, unconscionable,” the party said.

While acknowledging the dedication of staff within the commission, the ADC said the chairman’s conduct had tarnished INEC’s image and weakened public confidence in the institution.

“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the commission into disrepute,” it added.

The party served notice that failure to meet its demands would trigger legal proceedings and mass civic action.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the party declared.

ADC’s Demands

• Immediate resignation of the INEC Chairman or his removal by appropriate constitutional authorities.
• Withdrawal of INEC’s correspondence to the ADC, described as “offensive.”
• Formal apology from INEC to the ADC.
• Commitment by INEC to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.
• Enforcement measures if ignored: Judicial proceedings and
• Coordinated civic action.

PDP, ADC Leaders Hold Closed-Door Talks at Mark’s Residence

In a separate but related development, ADC leaders and the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a private meeting at Senator David Mark’s Abuja residence, aimed at building a united opposition front against the APC.

The gathering brought together Atiku Abubakar, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and key ADC figures led by Mark, alongside senior PDP stakeholders coordinated by Turaki.

By 6pm, Mark’s home had become a hive of political activity, hosting former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, as well as former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, and Babangida Aliyu.

Elder statesman and former Information Minister Jerry Gana, PDP factional National Secretary Taofeeq Arapaja, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, and PDP factional National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong were also in attendance.

PDP Faction Visits ADC, Pledges Democratic Solidarity

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Governor Makinde described the visit as a show of solidarity and reaffirmed the PDP’s dedication to democratic principles across party lines.

He said: “We came here to visit the leadership of ADC. We are on a solidarity visit.”

“We have observed developments within the political space, including protests by ADC members, and felt it necessary to show support.”

He stressed that meaningful engagement among political stakeholders was key to preserving democratic norms and preventing actions that could erode public trust in governance.

“We are committed to ensuring a truly democratic space in our country,” he said.

Makinde further urged that inter-party cooperation should be guided by national interest, stability, and adherence to the rule of law, particularly as the country approaches the next electoral season.