ADC Leaders Lead Protest At INEC Office.

 

Leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathered in Abuja to protest at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the removal of some party leaders.

The protest took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, shortly after a call by former presidential candidate Peter Obi urging Nigerians to support efforts against moves that could weaken opposition parties.

Top figures in the ADC, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, were present at the INEC office in Maitama alongside other party members and supporters.

During the protest, participants carried placards and chanted slogans calling for change, including demands directed at President Bola Tinubu.

The demonstration followed a decision by INEC to remove David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from their leadership roles in the ADC, based on a judgment from the Court of Appeal.

Tensions have continued to rise since the decision, with the ruling All Progressives Congress stating that it would not be an issue if the ADC was prevented from taking part in the 2027 elections.

Earlier in the week, the ADC accused INEC of planning to stop the party from presenting candidates in the next general elections. The party also alleged that there were moves to ensure President Tinubu contests without strong opposition.

According to the ADC, its claims were backed by documents such as official INEC records, attendance sheets, monitoring reports and parts of an affidavit submitted by the commission.

In response, the APC dismissed the claims and said the crisis within the ADC was caused by internal problems, adding that the opposition party was acting out of a desire to gain power.