Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other prominent figures, staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, accusing Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC, of political bias.

The protest followed a recent controversy involving INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the ADC executive committee led by David Mark. This action came after a Court of Appeal directive for a speedy hearing of a leadership dispute filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is also claiming the party’s chairmanship.

ADC leaders argued that INEC misinterpreted the court’s ruling and accused the commission of acting in favor of the ruling party to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria toward a one-party system.

Peter Obi also described the protest as a stand to defend democracy, urging Nigerians to support the cause and oppose any attempt to undermine the country’s multiparty system.

The situation has intensified scrutiny on INEC, especially amid backlash over its suspension of the nationwide voter revalidation exercise, which critics fear could disenfranchise citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections.