Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Aregbesola, Mark, others lead mass rally against ‘One-Party State’ fears
By Dally Iyamu
Top figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday led a large-scale “Save Nigeria Democracy” protest through the streets of Abuja, drawing a rare coalition of prominent opposition leaders.
Among those present were Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
They were joined by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the march moved from the Maitama Roundabout toward the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The protest comes amid strong allegations by Atiku and ADC leaders that the electoral body is acting in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a claim they say threatens democratic processes in the country.
Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “Hands off our courts,” while Amaechi addressed supporters from a moving van during the procession.
Sharing footage of the demonstration on X, Atiku said he and other party leaders were “peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire,” adding that their actions were aimed at safeguarding democracy and preventing what he described as the risk of dictatorship.
Obi had earlier mobilised Nigerians to participate, declaring opposition to a one-party system and calling on citizens who believe in unity, peace and national security to defend the country’s democracy.
Images from the scene showed Obi and Kwankwaso holding a banner reading, “Bola Tinubu, let our democracy breathe.”
The coordinated protest by opposition heavyweights signals a notable escalation in the nation’s political climate as they demand total neutrality from the electoral umpire.
