Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and allied political figures on Wednesday staged a “Save Democracy” protest in Abuja, marching from Maitama Roundabout toward the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amid growing tensions over the party’s leadership crisis and electoral developments.
The protest, led by former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, drew prominent political actors and supporters, including Dino Melaye, Aisha Yesufu, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other opposition figures aligned with the ADC coalition, according to Obidient Movement Secretary Yunusa Tanko.
RBN’s correspondent on ground reported a steady build-up of protesters as the crowd marched towards the INEC headquarters in Maitama, chanting solidarity songs and calling for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy.
Initial updates indicated that protesters arrived in considerable numbers at the electoral body’s office, with mobilisation ongoing and participants demanding transparency and respect for democratic institutions. Security presence at the protest route remained unclear at the time of filing this report, as developments continued to unfold.
The protest comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC and rising tensions between the party and INEC over the recognition of its leadership structure.
INEC had earlier removed the names of key ADC leaders from its official portal and suspended recognition of all factions of the party pending the outcome of a court case, a move that sparked outrage among party members and supporters.
The dispute stems from conflicting claims over the party’s national leadership following a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the status quo while a substantive suit is being determined at the Federal High Court.
ADC youths and supporters had also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to INEC, accusing the commission of undermining democracy and threatening nationwide protests if the party’s leadership was not restored.
The protest in Abuja is part of a broader mobilisation tagged “Save Democracy” and linked to calls by opposition groups and civil society actors to protect Nigeria’s multi-party system and ensure the neutrality of electoral institutions.
Recent protests and counter-protests around the INEC headquarters highlight the deepening political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, with different groups either backing or opposing the commission’s decisions regarding the ADC.
Observers say the demonstrations reflect wider concerns about electoral integrity, party autonomy, and the role of institutions in safeguarding democratic processes in Nigeria.
The situation remains fluid as political stakeholders continue to mobilise supporters and monitor INEC’s next steps on the ADC leadership dispute.