Prominent Nigerian opposition leaders, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and a former Minister of Interior, on Wednesday led a unified protest in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The protest was against what they described as the blatant partisanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the tyrannical tendencies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Recall that INEC issued a press statement on April 1, 2026, announcing its decision to withdraw recognition for both the Mark-led ADC leadership and the “fictitious” faction purportedly led by Nafiu Bala.
The protest, organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), supported by other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, saw leaders sacrificing personal celebrations, such as the ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark’s special day, to participate in the peaceful procession in Abuja.
Atiku Abubakar, in a strong statement, declared that the effort to undermine Nigeria’s democracy “will not succeed. It will be resisted and challenged to the best of our abilities”, he added.
Atiku also called on the international community to pay close attention to the threats facing Nigeria, its democracy, and the opposition, asserting that “Nigeria shall be reclaimed. Nigeria shall be rebuilt. Nigeria shall Arise and Shine through our collective and united efforts.”
He stated, “We say NO to a one-party system and for that today we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land. A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, joining fellow coalition leaders, strongly condemned the INEC’s “blatant partisanship and compromised neutrality.” He affirmed that the opposition would not “stand idly by while our electoral umpire undermines the will of the people.”
The former Minister of Interior, highlighted the undemocratic practice of restricting political participation, allegedly orchestrated by the ruling party in collaboration with INEC, to prevent the ADC from contesting the 2027 elections.
He expressed encouragement at the “resolve and determination of Nigerians to demand free, fair, credible elections in 2027, and hold ruling party accountable at the polls,” noting that citizens are “growing weary of a govt that appears to deepen poverty while prioritising the interests of the rich and powerful.”
The unified message from these opposition leaders underscores a growing concern over the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and a collective resolve to safeguard it ahead of the 2027 general elections.