A coalition of prominent Nigerian political figures on Wednesday staged a protest in Abuja, demanding reforms in the country’s electoral system and accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias.
The demonstration, tagged “Occupy INEC” and “Save Our Democracy,” was spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present were the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former senator Dino Melaye, among other party leaders and supporters.
Trigger for the Protest
The protest follows INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the ADC leadership after a Court of Appeal ruling, a move the demonstrators described as politically motivated.
Organisers said the action was aimed at drawing attention to what they termed increasing interference in the electoral process and the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Atiku Abubakar, who had earlier announced the protest, said it was a peaceful demonstration driven by a commitment to protect democracy and prevent any slide toward authoritarian rule.
Voices from the Streets
At the protest venue, demonstrators chanted “Ojoro”, a slang expression suggesting electoral malpractice, while holding placards bearing inscriptions such as “Tinubu, why are you afraid?”, “Let democracy breathe,” and “Judges must give justice.”
Participants also sang “Arise, O Compatriots,” Nigeria’s former national anthem, in what appeared to be a symbolic expression of national unity and civic responsibility.
Amaechi Urges Citizens to Act
Addressing the crowd, Rotimi Amaechi called on Nigerians to take an active role in defending the country’s democracy.
He warned against political manipulation and emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
According to Amaechi, the protest reflects a broader commitment among political leaders to demand credible, free, and transparent elections, adding that safeguarding democracy is a responsibility that extends beyond politicians to all citizens.
Rising Political Undercurrents
The joint appearance of Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, and other influential figures—many of whom were rivals in the 2023 presidential election—has fueled speculation about possible political realignments ahead of 2027.
Analysts say the protest signals growing concern among opposition leaders over electoral credibility and could mark the early stages of coalition-building.
Call for Electoral Integrity
The protesters urged INEC to remain independent and uphold its constitutional responsibility to conduct free and fair elections.
They warned that any perceived bias could erode public trust and weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The protest underscores increasing political tension as the country gradually shifts focus toward the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders calling for transparency, accountability, and stronger democratic institutions.
Another movement, just the way APC enter via empty promises. I'll prefer this new one sha. At least they will have to do right to gain people trust. APC already on the table so they slack off.
Based on recent reports in April 2026, PDP chieftain and former spokesman to Atiku Abubakar, Segun Sowunmi, has declared his intention to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 general elections.
He stated his allegiance is to national progress rather than partisan politics and has expressed willingness to work with the administration.
Key details regarding this development:
Support for 2027: Sowunmi confirmed in a video that his support lies with Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027.
Political Realignment: While he has expressed potential to support Tinubu, he previously indicated in 2025 that if he were to formally align, he would leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC, arguing against supporting opponents while staying in a party.
Goal of Good Governance: Sowunmi stated in 2026 that his support is contingent on the belief that Tinubu should be supported if he acts to "right the wrongs, fix the economy, and uphold justice," putting the nation first.
Previous Criticism: Despite previous criticisms of the APC administration, he stated in 2025 that there was "never a doubt" that he could work with President
That one no even concern me. Everybody for my area just dey wait for election day, nobody dey pray to experience this hardship once again.
InfoViral: The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Saturday took centre stage at the commissioning of landmark projects in Ogun State, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening national security and deepening collaboration with state authorities.
The high-profile event, attended by top government officials and security stakeholders, highlighted the strategic importance of security in driving development. Disu’s presence underscored ongoing efforts by the Police leadership to align operational priorities with infrastructural growth across the country.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of new security vehicles and electric motorbikes aimed at boosting the operational capacity of security agencies in the state. The IGP commended the Ogun State Government for what he described as a proactive and forward-thinking approach to security, noting that the newly deployed assets would significantly enhance rapid response and patrol efficiency.
He stressed that effective policing remains central to maintaining peace and order, assuring residents that the Force would continue to evolve strategies to tackle emerging threats. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to working closely with both the Federal Government and sub-national authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Disu further called on members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, describing community cooperation as vital in combating crime and sustaining a secure environment.
The Police leadership also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and other dignitaries for their continued partnership, noting that such collaboration is essential to advancing security initiatives and fostering national development.
IronGalaxy: ..you lots are funny hey.. the self aggrandizing and delusions never end
Not by just education, an average Nigerian is more productive than south African. If you have ever find yourself on a platform where you work along side people from other African countries, you know, I have.
tctrills: Do you even understand the meaning of classified info? It mean mainstream media doesn't have access to it so they can't report it. I don't believe everything from the mainstream or any other media source. But please could you answer my simply question and provide your sources on Syria?
tctrills: Do you even understand the meaning of classified info? It mean mainstream media doesn't have access to it so they can't report it. I don't believe everything from the mainstream or any other media source. But please could you answer my simply question and provide your sources on Syria?
tctrills: Sir if the US wanted to tuple governments, they actually have the power to do so in most countries but they are not. Now, point to your sources to show that the US installed the current president of Syria. Let's start from there. Again, the idea that the mainstream media don't report on declassified CIA reports is completely false. Have the US tupled governments before? Yes but extremely few. And honestly if I am the strongest nation on earth, I will be doing a lot more.
i am glad you accept there is classification and declassification going on. Meaning the mainstream will have to report false new or remove the country involvement on purpose, till it is declassified, then come up with a cookup story that new evidence resurface. So you can't believe everything from mainstream media, as there are two party involved. I am not saying everything from the US is wrong all the time, but if it threatenes national interest, then another story will run.
tctrills: I am sure you trust your news source. Hope you know that anyone including you can float a YouTube channel so what exactly are you trying to prove. Unlike you, I am balanced? I get news from both the mainstream and alternative media and I am open to information. So what exactly is your point? I watched your video, a brunch of people arguing, what's your point.
Okay, that is one, how about Hilary Clinton who publicly affirm twice that they created all these militia to create instability in any country they deem not corporational. Also the new Syrian president install by US was a formal alQaeda member. It their playbook to tuple any government. They tried it with Iran, sanction, militia group and all, but it still did not work. I'll share the video once I can get hold of it. Mainstream just print what they are told. Declassified CIA report are the way to go. Mainly Cos, an entity that hold more secret than the people is stronger than the people, which was what the Larry devlin/church committee was after when lumumba case came to the open.
nairalanda1: Nigeria does not produce enough oil money to stand on its own..
Note that this is something that has been known since the 1970s. Hence all the talk since that time of diversifying the economy. Even projects like Ajaokuta were meant to kick-start our industrial revolution self.
That's why subsidies worsen our financial situation. If we were running a diversified economy we might have had some money for some subsidy. The thing is, we don't.
Even sovereign wealth fund, lol. At best it had 2 billion dollars. That's not large enough.
If you want a prosperous nation, for Nigeria we got to use our natural resources to make exportable goods . Nothing like foreigners are trying to take over our money or secret bills or anything. The fact is our oil revenue is too small for a nation our size, which is why most of the time it is annoying that the Tinubu government is not doing enough regarding corruption and stealing.
Nigeria produce enough oil, all the aids, grant and loans receive only sound harmless to the public, but the conditions that comes with them extends century into the future. But I can't convince you on this because you already denied it already. The Kissinger report is something you can look into, Cos how else will they have executed the intended actions. Don't forget that the so called NGO(PLAC) aiding our lawmakers are funded by macAuther Foundation, EU and FCDO. They just use clement nwankwo cover face. Their major role is just to ensure any bill pass do not affect their own interest. I havent heard where a privately group heavily funded by foreign agencies will be working closely with the highest lawmaking body of the country(NASS).
Emeskhalifa: Nothing will happen talking about those saying they will rival commercial banks.
Remember, they are coming into an already over populated, over saturated market.
I doubt that, when opay arrive a lot of individuals adop their system, because of the competition edge and solutions they provide. I do have commercial bank, but most of my transactions pass through the likes of opay, palmpay and moniepoint. So its a function of what they offer, if it's good, people will find a way to use them, at a very high rate for that matter.
tctrills: I have actually researched, unlike most of you. Iran is the architect of all their problems, or do I say bad leadership? There is a reason why Iran is very poor, and Saudi Arabia is very rich. You should be asking yourself, what did the Saudis get right? America is not the cause of their problem. Iran has spent more on ballistic missiles and nuclear technology than on desalination plants. They spend more funding on proxy terror groups than on developing their abundant solid minerals. The total cost of Iran’s nuclear odyssey (from inception to 2013) is well over $100 billion, but you choose to blame the US for its poverty. Iran has spent over $36 billion since 2012 to prop up its regional network and the Assad regime in Syria. We are talking about a very poor country with the wrong priorities.
Lolx, do you know how the money flow when a country oil is sanctioned. The money gotten from the sale does not go direct to their pocket. I guess you don't know. The whole thing boil down to if they are not willing to allow the corporate Americans companies have control of their sovereign wealth. Know this and know peace✌️. I don't have to remind you that the banking network is totally control by the US. Like I said research more.
nairalanda1: And thanks to that N65, our debt grew and continued to grow.And our refineries continued to depreciate.
Same thing tinubu is doing with subsides in power, the power sector is failing because the man is doing the same thing as done for the fuel sector. Forced price controls in the name of helping the poor.
The result is a big disaster either way
Don't you think there is a loophole, a country with oil wealth could not even stand on its own. Reason he wanted to pass a new bill that favours the country as a whole and not some corporate companies in the west. What he wanted to pass vs what was pass is unknown to us all today. Prof Dora said it best during her interview when the bill was pass. I'll advice you check it out. Anytime anyone stand to review how our sovereign wealth is being generated and shared, something mysteriously happen. The cover story is why we hear, not the rea thing. Talk of propaganda at its peak.
But I thought he was a racist. From the very first time he deny black from renting his apartment in his early years. I still have the feeling he still is...
Action and reaction are equal and opposite. Since there has been no tangible reaction from the Nigerian security, the action will continue intensify. Too bad our politicians are too busy with party defection.
illicit: I am about the same age and still single, I knew I was going to be single or married...
Omo I am above 30, lower than urs but, the kind eye wey Dem dey use look me around eh... I just thank God say na remote work I dey do. Going to work and back would have been hell
obonujoker: With what we are seeing in the country today, mhen, I really commend and appraise Dr. GoodLuck Jonathan. He was a great leader and Man. Honest no be by Gra Gra.
I remember my 1st Salary as a Field maintenance engineer for Telecom based stations in 2012 - 85,000 per amount. Mhen, Life was good.
Looking at the Stats of Nigerian presidents and their regime, you will do nothing but praise Jonathan. All the evil some people did to Jonathan, it has bounced back on their heads, no wonder nothing they do progresses, instead they inflict more pain and pain. See some stats below 👇
1.💵 NIGERIA’S MINIMUM WAGE OVER THE YEARS (IN NAIRA & USD)
*See picture below*... Wish we could go back to Jonathan Era
I remember when yaradua brought petrol back to 65 naira, it was like a dream. First time something actually come down in this con3. So sad he could not finish his first term talk of second. May Allah grant him janah firdaus. I had to say most Nigerian took his quietness for inefficiency. Oya na. Jagaban is here, make everybody shut up.
stonero: I'm a graduate of F.U.T Minna, Studied Mech. Eng & concluded my youth service Feb 2010.
Omo.u be boss, I finish from FUTMinna too mechanical Engineering, but I entered 100L 2011, finish 2016, you are way way ahead of me sef. I don't even practice it anymore, I found myself in situations where I use more of my physical strength than my brain power, so I opted for software engineering.
Peterobiisathie: Peter Obi would be better off if he focused his campaign against drug trafficking rather than politics
Hmm. Bad mouth plenty on top this thread sha. I still don't understand why the hate, since both party thinks they are doing the right thing. Its a matter of convincing not conflict.
CaseSensitive: "We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!" Trump to UK
He got the Straits of Hormuz closed then asks every other nations to commit suicide trying to reopen it. I know Kier Starmer and Macron are dumb but they're not that dumb.
"If the strait is blocked, send ships. If the ships hesitate, send tweets. A message travels faster than a fleet.” - Don Tzu (The Art Of War)
Oh by the way, Iran may have clipped Netanyahu.
Yeah, judging by the recent AI video circulating all over the internet ba.
Politics › Re: 2027: My Support Is For Tinubu - Segun Sowunmi by Galapagous(m): 9:07pm On Apr 08
..you lots are funny hey.. the self aggrandizing and delusions never end