Several chieftains and prominent political stalwarts of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rauf Aregbesola and Rabiu Kwankwaso on Wednesday staged a massive peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding that Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into a one-party state.
The protest which was initially linked to a faction of the ADC, suddenly spiralled and metamorphosed into a broader opposition coalition movement, attracting supporters from many political parties and civic groups.
Speaking on the edge of the protest, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cautioned against any attempt to jeopardize Nigeria’s democracy.
”We are simply holding a peaceful demonstration to say that we cannot have a one-party system in our country. It is a democratic nation. We are appealing to those in government; do not destroy our democracy. We need it for our children and for generations to come. Nigerians must have the freedom to choose who leads them. This is critical for our country,” Obi stated.
In a similar vein, former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, while commenting on the fringes of the protest, lambasted the policy frameworks of the Tinubu-led administration.
”Imagine a president who came to power and the first thing he did was to change the national anthem and give us hunger. He said he would give us roads; up until now, they have not given us roads. The money is gone. By the grace of God, they will lose the election,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also submitted a petition to INEC, calling for the resignation or removal of the commission’s chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan, over alleged political favouritism and unconstitutional acts.
The petition was presented by ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, accusing the commission’s boss of meddling in party affairs and undermining the sacrosanct neutrality of the electoral empire.
The ADC also faulted the INEC chairman for allegedly interpreting court rulings, maintaining that such powers lie solely with the judiciary.
”The interpretation of court judgements is the sole prerogative of the judiciary.
For the chairman of INEC to publicly assume that sacred responsibility amounts to gross constitutional breach. Take note that failure to comply will compel us to activate all lawful and constitutional means to ensure accountability. The sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the party declared.
The development has highlighted the growing calls among stakeholders for the Judiciary and particularly INEC to ensure the sanctity of the country’s nascent democracy, ensure the independence of political parties, create a level playing ground and above all, ensure that the 2027 elections remain competitive.
