Leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a protest in Abuja, warning President Bola Tinubu against what they described as moves that could turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
The protest, tagged “Occupy INEC,” took place in the Federal Capital Territory and drew several top opposition figures who accused the current administration of weakening democratic institutions and limiting political space in the country.
Speaking during the protest, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said the demonstration was aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that citizens continue to have the freedom to choose their leaders.
“We are simply holding a peaceful demonstration to say that we cannot have a one-party system in our country. It is a democratic nation,” Obi said.
He added that Nigerians must resist any attempt to weaken democratic values, noting that democracy remains critical for future generations.
“We are appealing to those in government: do not destroy our democracy. We need it for our children and for generations to come. Nigerians must have the freedom to choose who leads them. This is critical for our country,” he stated.
The protest comes amid growing concerns among opposition parties about the direction of Nigeria’s political system since the 2023 general elections. Some political leaders have accused the ruling party of trying to dominate the political space and weaken opposition voices.
Although Nigeria operates a multi-party system, critics say internal divisions within opposition parties and defections have reduced effective competition, raising fears about the health of the country’s democracy.
The ADC, which has positioned itself as a platform for coalition among opposition leaders, has in recent months increased its criticism of the federal government and called for stronger institutions.
Also speaking at the protest, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, accused the Tinubu administration of worsening economic hardship across the country.
Amaechi said many Nigerians are struggling with rising food prices, inflation, and a high cost of living, which he blamed on government policies.
“Imagine a president who came to power and the first thing he did was to change the national anthem… and gave us hunger,” Amaechi said.
He also criticized the government over infrastructure development, saying that promises of improved roads and better living conditions have not been fulfilled.
“He said he would give us roads; up till now, they have not given us roads. The money is gone,” he added.
Amaechi further predicted that the current administration would be voted out in the next general election if conditions do not improve.
“By the grace of God, they will lose the election,” he said.
The demonstration took place around the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, with protesters carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for electoral transparency and accountability.
INEC, as Nigeria’s electoral body, plays a central role in organizing elections and ensuring that the process is free and fair. Protesters said their decision to gather at the commission’s office was to draw attention to the need for stronger electoral systems and public trust.
Some participants also called for reforms that would make elections more credible and reduce disputes that often follow election results.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has introduced several economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and changes in foreign exchange management. While the government has said these steps are necessary to stabilize the economy, many Nigerians have complained about the immediate impact on their daily lives.
The rising cost of food, transport, and basic services has led to public frustration, with several protests held in different parts of the country in recent months.
At the same time, the political opposition has been trying to reorganize after the 2023 elections, which saw strong competition among multiple parties, including the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP.
Speakers at the protest repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting Nigeria’s democracy, warning that any attempt to weaken opposition parties or limit political choices could have long-term consequences.
They urged the government to respect democratic principles, strengthen institutions, and ensure that all political parties have a fair chance to operate.
For many participants, the protest was not just about current challenges but also about the future of governance in Nigeria.
As political activities continue to build up across the country, analysts say events like the Occupy INEC protest highlight the growing engagement of opposition leaders and citizens in shaping national discourse.
Whether these efforts will lead to concrete political changes remains to be seen, but the message from the protesters was clear: Nigeria must remain a multi-party democracy where the voice of the people counts.