ADC Protest in Abuja: Atiku, Obi, David Mark Lead #OccupyINEC as Party Demands INEC Chairman’s Removal
Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday took to the streets of Abuja in protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of actions they described as detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The protest, branded #OccupyINEC, saw a convergence of high-profile political actors and party supporters at Maitama Roundabout, where demonstrators voiced their grievances.
Among those in attendance were former Senate President David Mark; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; and ex-Kogi West senator Dino Melaye. Their presence significantly amplified the visibility and political weight of the demonstration.
At the core of the protest was ADC’s demand for the resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN. The party alleged partisanship, constitutional breaches, and undue interference in its internal affairs.
Addressing supporters, ADC leadership warned that recent actions by INEC had intensified doubts about the commission’s neutrality. The party argued that the chairman had exceeded his constitutional boundaries, particularly regarding internal party disputes.
“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party said in a statement directed at the INEC chairman.
PulseNets learnt that the controversy largely stems from what the party described as the chairman’s attempt to publicly interpret court rulings, a move it insists falls outside the commission’s mandate.
“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party stated.
The ADC further claimed that recent correspondence from INEC had heightened concerns that the commission may no longer function as an impartial umpire, warning that such developments could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.
Providing context, ADC leaders referenced a sequence of decisions in 2025, including National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that produced the current leadership under Senator David Mark. PulseNets reported that these processes were conducted transparently and monitored by INEC officials without objections at the time.
According to the party, outcomes from those meetings were formally communicated to INEC, which acknowledged them and updated its records accordingly. The ADC added that the commission had also affirmed the legitimacy of the process in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court.
However, the party alleged emerging attempts to pressure officials into reversing earlier positions.
“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda you have decided to pursue. This is, indeed, unconscionable,” the party said.
While recognising the contributions of some INEC officials, the ADC insisted that the actions of the chairman had undermined the institution’s credibility and weakened public trust.
“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the commission into disrepute,” it added.
The party subsequently outlined six demands, including the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman, withdrawal of what it described as “offensive” correspondence, and a formal apology from the commission.
ADC also called for a firm commitment from INEC to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that non-compliance would trigger legal and civic responses.
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“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability,” the party stated.
PulseNets obtained that judicial action and coordinated civic mobilisation are already under consideration as part of the party’s next steps.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the party said.
