Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined former President of the Senate, David Mark, former Rivers, Kano, Anambra and Sokoto State Governors, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso, Peter Obi and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a peaceful protest against what he described as the partisanship of Nigeria’s electoral body.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku said the demonstration was aimed at defending the country’s democracy and preventing what he termed the emergence of a dictatorship.
“Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” he said.
https://x.com/atiku/status/2041814195096768940/video/2
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For his part, Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election in a post on X formerly Twitter said “We, members and leaders of the ADC, and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed. 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”.
https://x.com/PeterObi/status/2041768050123296885?s=20
The protest comes amid growing political tension and concerns over the credibility of electoral institutions ahead of future elections.
The African Democratic Congress has in recent times raised concerns about the neutrality of the electoral process, calling for reforms to ensure transparency and public confidence.
There has been no immediate response from the electoral authorities regarding the allegations.
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The National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was recently derecognised by the Independent National Eklectoral Commission following a ruling delivered at the court of Appeal in Abuja on the leadership tussle within its ranks.
The Court ordered that all parties should maintain ‘Status Quo Ante Bellum’, a move the leadership under David Mark, National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary and Other leaders of the opposition coalition have vowed to resist.
The peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission is part of moves its leadership is making to ensure it is on the ballot for the 2027 General Elections.
