‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Atiku accuses INEC of partisanship, labels Tinubu-led APC tyrannical

Africa, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Former Vice President and presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar has accused Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of partisanship following its decision to deregister the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku, who joined other prominent ADC leaders in a protest in Abuja today, alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced INEC’s action, describing it as partisan and aimed at undermining the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku warned that any attempt to weaken democracy would be resisted: “INEC and the APC must understand that any effort to undermine democracy in this country will not succeed. It will be resisted and challenged to the best of our abilities. I also hope that the international community is paying attention to the threat to Nigeria, its democracy, and the opposition. Nigeria shall be reclaimed. Nigeria shall be rebuilt. Nigeria shall arise and shine through our collective and united efforts.”

Other notable figures at the protest included Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State; Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State; David Mark, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman before INEC’s derecognition; Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and ADC National Secretary before INEC’s decision; and Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, among others.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Peter Obi, another ADC stalwart, described the protest as not only a defence of democracy but also a reflection on how far the nation has fallen. He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to suffocate democratic freedoms by those who once claimed to have defended them but now seek to silence opposition.