Obidient movement unleashes #OccupyINEC protest, demands Chairman’s resignation

Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — The Obidient Movement, a political group backing former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has called on members nationwide to occupy the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the Commission delisted the National Chairman of the All Democratic Congress (ADC) from its portal, citing a court ruling.

In a statement issued Thursday by worldwide coordinator Dr Yunusa Tanko, the group described the move as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy. “There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment,” the statement read.

The group accused INEC of losing credibility under the current administration and outlined four major demands:

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• The resignation of the INEC Chairman for gross abuse of office and loss of public trust.
• An immediate end to political persecution, intimidation, and harassment of opposition voices.
• Protection of Nigeria’s multi‑party democracy, halting all actions that undermine opposition parties.
• Full respect for party autonomy, ensuring political parties like ADC are free from interference.

Tanko announced that a nationwide peaceful protest, branded #OccupyINEC, would commence immediately across all states and the Federal Capital Territory. In Abuja, participants will gather at the ADC National Headquarters before marching to INEC Headquarters.

“This moment goes beyond party lines. It is about the survival of democratic values and the protection of the Nigerian state itself,” the statement declared. The group vowed to remain peaceful and lawful but firm in resisting any slide towards a one‑party state.

“A New Nigeria is possible — but only if we defend it,” the statement concluded.