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 “Save Our Democracy” protest in Abuja, expressing opposition to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to delist the party’s leadership under David Mark.
The demonstration, which drew a significant turnout of party supporters, saw participants march through parts of the Federal Capital Territory while holding ADC banners and chanting pro-democracy slogans. Protesters also sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement on May 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu with the 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Addressing the crowd, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, called on Nigerians to take an active role in defending democratic values and resisting political manipulation. He stressed that the protest was a peaceful but firm response to what party leaders described as perceived partisanship by the electoral body.
In a statement shared via Tambuwal’s X account, Amaechi said the action was driven by a collective commitment to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
“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.
He further warned against any attempts to weaken democratic institutions, urging citizens to remain vigilant against actions that could encourage authoritarian tendencies.
“Our stance is not just political; it is a duty to protect the integrity of our nation and preserve the will of the people,” Amaechi added.
The protest underscores growing political tensions surrounding electoral governance and party leadership disputes, as stakeholders continue to demand transparency and neutrality from INEC.
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