By ifeoma Onyekachi

Opposition Leaders Stage Protest at INEC Headquarters in Abuja

Tensions escalated in Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led a mass protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of bias and interference in party affairs.

The demonstration, which drew a large crowd of supporters, began in parts of Abuja and moved toward the INEC headquarters in Maitama under tight security presence. Protesters carried placards with messages demanding the protection of Nigeria’s democracy and warning against what they described as attempts to undermine opposition parties.

Prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were reported to have aligned with the protest, lending significant weight to the demonstration.

The ADC leadership said the protest was triggered by recent developments involving INEC’s stance on internal party leadership disputes, which the party claims amount to undue interference. According to the protesters, such actions risk eroding public confidence in the electoral system and could pave the way for a one-party state.

“We are here to defend democracy,” one protest leader said, addressing the crowd. “No institution should act in a way that compromises the fairness and independence of Nigeria’s electoral process.”

Security operatives were deployed around key areas to maintain order as the protest remained largely peaceful, with no immediate reports of violence. However, vehicular movement around Maitama and adjoining districts was affected as crowds gathered near major routes.

As of press time, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission had not issued a formal response to the protest.

The demonstration highlights growing political tensions ahead of future electoral activities, with opposition groups increasingly vocal about concerns over the neutrality of institutions tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.