Obi, Atiku, Others Lead ‘Save Democracy’ Protest in Abuja

Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on Wednesday night joined a coalition of prominent Nigerian political leaders in Abuja to stage a protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amid rising tensions over internal party leadership recognition.

Obi was seen alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

The group marched under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), wielding placards with inscriptions calling for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy.

The protest follows INEC’s controversial decision to recognise the ADC leadership led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark.

Speaking after the demonstration, Obi took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle to explain his participation, describing the protest as both a call to action and a moment of national reflection.

“Today, I joined fellow Nigerians, leaders, and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by National Chairman, Senator David Mark, to participate in a peaceful ‘Save Democracy’ protest,” he wrote.

He warned against what he described as a growing threat to democratic values, accusing some political actors of undermining the very system they once fought to protect.

“This event was not just an effort to safeguard our democracy; it was also a moment of reflection on how far we have fallen as a nation,” Obi stated.

He further decried attempts to stifle opposition voices, insisting that Nigerians must stand firm in defence of democratic principles.

“We must resist the suffocation of our democracy by those who once claimed to have sacrificed to defend it but are now doing everything possible to undermine it and silence opposition,” he added.

Obi also cautioned that history would judge harshly those who abandon democratic ideals for personal or political gain.

“History will not be kind to those who traded the struggle for democracy for the comfort of power.

We will not remain silent, we will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender the future of this nation.

The will of the people must prevail stronger, louder, and impossible to suppress,” he declared.

The protest marks a significant show of unity among opposition figures and signals deepening concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.